Throughout May, we are collecting snacks and other items for VBS! Vacation Bible School will be June 16-19 and we hope to host many kids from our community for a week of learning about God with this year’s theme, Road Trip. Through engaging Bible stories, interactive games, and fun challenges, they'll discover that God is always with them. Road Trip VBS is more than just fun—it's a journey of faith, friendship, and unforgettable memories!

Here’s a list of needed items:

• Honey Nut Cheerios Cereal

• Circus Animal Frosted Cookies

• Animal Crackers

• Mini Twist Pretzels

• Milk Chocolate M&Ms - plain

• Rice Chex Cereal

• Goldfish Crackers -original

• Chips Ahoy Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Paper maps

Thank you so much for your support! Please bring your donations with you to worship on Sundays. Donations can also be brought to church to the Ivy Garden entrance of the church on Locust Street during the week, Monday-Wednesday, from 9-4pm and Thursday, 9am-12:30pm or shop the Amazon Wishlist!

Join the United Women in Faith (UWF) Book Club for an engaging, monthly gathering of readers exploring powerful stories and diverse perspectives. Meeting on Zoom on the 3rd or 4th Monday of each month at 6:30 pm (unless noted otherwise), the Book Club dives into selections from the UWF Reading Program. Each book offers unique insights into themes of spiritual growth, social action, leadership development, nurturing community, and mission education. Participants can enjoy biographies, memoirs, and novels that foster lifelong learning and a deeper understanding of faith in action. All members of the congregation are welcome to join and explore books for all ages available through the UWF Reading Program.

May 19: The Book Woman's Daughter, Kim Michele Richardson

Students and their families are invited to come enjoy dinner together, say "thank you" to our awesome volunteers, and most importantly welcome our soon-to-be 6th grade students to FUMC Denton Youth! Come ready to eat, play, laugh, and meet someone new! Scott has something called "Inflatable Hungry Hippos" coming, so that sounds neat... Oh, and this event is FREE!

Community in Conversation Book Club Gathering at Patchouli Joe's Books & Indulgences (221 Hickory St.)

Join us for the Community in Conversation—Denton Book Club as continue the conversation on “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” by Isabel Wilkerson. This powerful and thought-provoking book examines the hidden caste system that has shaped America, drawing parallels between social hierarchies in India, Nazi Germany, and the United States.

What to Expect:
✅ Guided conversation on key themes
✅ Thought-provoking questions to spark discussion
✅ A welcoming space for diverse perspectives

This will be a safe, open, and engaging discussion where we explore Wilkerson’s insights and reflect on how caste structures impact our own community right here in Denton. Whether you’ve studied racism your whole life or are just starting, your voice is welcome!

Join our next Men’s Book Club at Zera’s Coffee, 420 E. McKinney, Denton. The book chosen is: The Caine Mutiny by Herman Wouk. Discussion will be encouraged and occasionally we may even talk about the book. Even if you don’t read, come and enjoy the fellowship. Please contact Bob Voss 972-965-9605 for more information.

Book Description: Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and a perennial favorite of readers young and old, Herman Wouk's masterful World War II drama set aboard a U.S. Navy warship in the Pacific is "a novel of brilliant virtuosity"

Everyone is welcome to a church-wide community dinner on the 1st Wednesday nights of every month at 6pm in Miller Center. Build deeper relationships in your church community and enjoy your dinner at the church. You can bring your own dinner, bring something to share with the community, or just come hungry—whatever works for you works for us! There are lots of folks already here on Wednesday nights coming to choir, handbells, meetings, studies, etc. Feel free to come and then disburse to other Wednesday night activities. This will be come & go, no pressure to arrive at a specific time or stay long. See you there!

Got real questions you don’t always get to ask in a faith community? Join us as we draw your anonymous questions from a bucket and dive into honest conversations together—plus pizza! All are welcome!

Sunday, May 4 | 4:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Rough Riders Stadium | Frisco, TX

Take me out to the ball game! Join FUMC Denton for a fun-filled afternoon at the Rough Riders baseball game in Frisco. Everyone is welcome—bring your family, friends, or come solo and connect with our church community!

🎟 Tickets are $12 each and must be purchased in advance through the church. Seating is limited, so don’t wait!
📩 To reserve your spot, email Pastor Sheryl.

Let’s enjoy a great day of fellowship and fun together!

Are you new to FUMC Denton or interested in learning more about getting involved? Join us for "Coffee with the Pastors" during the Sunday School hour in Room 108. This is a perfect opportunity to meet our pastors, hear about the many ways you can connect, ask questions about our church and membership. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee, great conversation, and find your place in our vibrant community. We look forward to getting to know you better!

Throughout May, we are collecting snacks and other items for VBS! Vacation Bible School will be June 16-19 and we hope to host many kids from our community for a week of learning about God with this year’s theme, Road Trip. Through engaging Bible stories, interactive games, and fun challenges, they'll discover that God is always with them. Road Trip VBS is more than just fun—it's a journey of faith, friendship, and unforgettable memories!

Here’s a list of needed items:

• Honey Nut Cheerios Cereal

• Circus Animal Frosted Cookies

• Animal Crackers

• Mini Twist Pretzels

• Milk Chocolate M&Ms - plain

• Rice Chex Cereal

• Goldfish Crackers -original

• Chips Ahoy Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Paper maps

Thank you so much for your support! Please bring your donations with you to worship on Sundays. Donations can also be brought to church to the Ivy Garden entrance of the church on Locust Street during the week, Monday-Wednesday, from 9-4pm and Thursday, 9am-12:30pm or shop the Amazon Wishlist!

Pub Theology is a group for folks with questions about God and life. We meet at a local bar for a discussion-based group. Leaders lead a mini presentation on the topic and what history, the Bible, and other theologians may have to say about it. Our questions examine the topics through the lens of the individual’s life experiences in the group.

Spring 2025 Topics:

• February 6—Method to the Madness: John Wesley and the Foundations of Methodism

• March 6—Gosh Daring: Fictional Blasphemy

• April 3*—Father Abraham Had Many Sons: Abrahamic Religions

• May 1*—It's the End of the World as We Know It: The Apocalypse

*April and May topics tentative and may switch.

Location: Miss Angeline's, 125 E. Oak Street, Denton, TX 76201

Age limit: If you’re under 21 but would like to attend, please check in with Alyssa.

Parking: There's street parking and a parking lot located directly across the street from Miss Angeline's.

Accessibility: There is a ramp on the Oak Street side of Miss Angeline's. There is a chance we will be outside, depending on the weather, but most often we will be meeting in the red room in the center of the venue (directly in front of the restrooms).

Restrooms: There are two gendered bathrooms.

NA options: Non-alcoholic options are available.

Join the United Women in Faith (UWF) Book Club for an engaging, monthly gathering of readers exploring powerful stories and diverse perspectives. Meeting on Zoom on the 3rd or 4th Monday of each month at 6:30 pm (unless noted otherwise), the Book Club dives into selections from the UWF Reading Program. Each book offers unique insights into themes of spiritual growth, social action, leadership development, nurturing community, and mission education. Participants can enjoy biographies, memoirs, and novels that foster lifelong learning and a deeper understanding of faith in action. All members of the congregation are welcome to join and explore books for all ages available through the UWF Reading Program.

April 28: Start With Hello: (And Other Simple Ways to Live As Neighbors), Shannan Martin

Sunday, April 27 | 5pm | Monroe Gym

Join us for a heartfelt, youth-led farewell celebration for our beloved Youth Pastor, David Finley, as he prepares for his next chapter! This special evening will include a slideshow of memories, speeches, and a delicious build-your-own taco bowl bar. All are welcome to come show your appreciation for David’s incredible impact on our youth and church family. Our youth are excited to host our church family and share with us what David has meant to them.

🎤 Slideshow & Speeches
🌮 Taco Bowl Bar (sign-up to contribute)
💛 Hosted by FUMC Denton Youth

Let’s pack the gym with love and gratitude—David has meant so much to us, and your presence will mean the world to him!

Sunday, April 27 at 12:15 PM | Miller Center

Join us as we honor and celebrate Rev. David Finley for his faithful service and leadership at FUMC Denton since 2019. This special reception will be a time to show David just how loved and appreciated he is by our church family.

Come enjoy light refreshments, share stories, and hear from those whose lives have been impacted by David’s ministry. You’re also invited to write him a note of encouragement or contribute to a love offering as a tangible expression of our gratitude.

Let’s send David forward with our full support and heartfelt thanks for the many ways he has shared God’s love with our church.

Sunday, April 27 | 10am | Room 108

Earlier this year, FUMC Denton participated in Vidas Robadas, a statewide art installation honoring the lives of 72 individuals lost to gun violence in Denton County. Now, we invite you to join us for a special follow-up event to hear more about the impact of this project and the continued work of Texas Impact to address gun violence in communities across our state.

This one-hour gathering will include reflections from Julie Tipton (in person) and Bobby Watson from Texas Impact (via Zoom), sharing updates on the statewide campaign and the next steps in advocacy. All are welcome to attend—no registration required.

Come learn how we can continue to raise awareness, honor stolen lives, and take faithful action together.

This month, the Missions Team is excited to stock the Little Free Pantry on Elm Street in front of the Rowland Law Firm. Little Free Pantries are designed to hold a small amount of food and supplies for individuals and families in need.

While there are many organized food pantries currently in the Denton community, Little Free Pantries provide an additional resource for food insecure individuals — especially our unhoused neighbors. The pantries can also fill the gap on the days when individuals aren’t able to visit regular facilities during normal business hours.

Here’s a list of needed items:

• Canned goods (all should have pop top lids)

• Proteins - tuna, chicken, sausages, Spam 

• Beef stew

• Chili 

• Pasta - SpaghettiOs, Ravioli, spaghetti and meatballs 

• Soups

• Beans

• Saltines

• Granola bars

• Peanut butter/cheese crackers

• Ramen/Bagged dry soup

• Easy Mac & cheese cups

• Fruit cups

• Applesauce

Thank you so much for your support! You may bring your items with you on Sunday mornings or drop them by the collection box in the entry way off the Ivey Garden during church office hours, M-W 9-4 and Th 9-12:30. We have also made an Amazon Wish List where you may ship items to the church. We will stock the Pantry each week.

Enjoy a family-friendly night out with your church family! Meet us at Eureka Park (part of South Lakes Park), bring your own dinner, and visit with other FUMC Denton families and friends. All are welcome!

Church Spring Clean Fundraiser
Saturday, April 26 | 9-12pm

It’s time for a church-wide spring cleaning —and you’re invited to be part of it!

On Saturday, April 26, we’re opening the doors of Monroe Gym to host a Church Spring Clean Fundraiser where you can shop a variety of items. Whether you’re looking for office supplies, decorations, furniture, or a quirky church find—take what you want and make a donation of any amount to support our mission team traveling to Kenya in support of the Jerri Savuto Rescue Center—an organization providing safety, education, and opportunity for girls in need. Come browse, find a hidden gem, and give it new life while supporting a great cause!

Over the next few weeks, all of our ministry teams, Sunday School classes, and small groups have been asked to clean out their spaces by Friday, April 19. If you have any questions please contact Mo Underwood, connection@fumc-denton.com.

Date: Every Other Tuesday (Starting April 22, 2025)
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Miller Center
Cost: Free

Looking for a space to play Mahjong with others? Join us for Mahjong Open Play, where experienced and casual players alike can enjoy the game in a relaxed, friendly setting.

No instruction—just play! Bring your NMJL card, your Mahjong set (if you have one), and enjoy an afternoon of strategy, fun, and connection.

Upcoming Open Play Dates:

• April 22

• May 13 & 27

• June 10 & 24

• July 8 & 22

• August 12 & 26 

Come as you are and bring a friend! You do not need to be a member of FUMC Denton to join in the fun. For more details, contact Happy Carrico.

Join us on Easter Sunday for a joyous celebration of new life, renewal, and resurrection—God’s grace at work in our world and in us. The ancient call and response of the people bears witness to that grace: Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Together we celebrate our shared hope with glorious song, hopeful good news, and joyous life. Invite friends, strangers, neighbors, and families as we celebrate the powerful love of God in Christ! We’ll have opportunities for both in-person worship and online worship on this day.

Easter Schedule:

7 am Sunrise Service - Crouch Garden (on Sycamore Street) / Rain plan: Cole Chapel

8 am Jesus Fuente de Vida - Cole Chapel (on Locust Street)

9 am Mosaic Worship – Flinn Hall (on Sycamore side of church, porch with rainbow doors)

11 am Sanctuary Worship - Sanctuary (on corner of Locust & Mulberry, 2nd floor)

11 am Open Worship - Flinn Hall (on Sycamore side of church, porch with rainbow doors)

Community in Conversation Book Club Gathering at Patchouli Joe's Books & Indulgences (221 Hickory St.)

Join us for the Community in Conversation—Denton Book Club as continue the conversation on “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents” by Isabel Wilkerson. This powerful and thought-provoking book examines the hidden caste system that has shaped America, drawing parallels between social hierarchies in India, Nazi Germany, and the United States.

What to Expect:
✅ Guided conversation on key themes
✅ Thought-provoking questions to spark discussion
✅ A welcoming space for diverse perspectives

This will be a safe, open, and engaging discussion where we explore Wilkerson’s insights and reflect on how caste structures impact our own community right here in Denton. Whether you’ve studied racism your whole life or are just starting, your voice is welcome!

Join us for a Good Friday service featuring the FUMC Chancel Choir in a performance of John Stainer’s Crucifixion. This sacred oratorio, led by Dr. Joshua Taylor, Director of Worship & Music, with Elizabeth Yoo on organ, offers a reflective and moving account of Christ’s passion through choral music and scripture.

As we remember the significance of Good Friday, this service provides an opportunity to meditate on Christ’s sacrifice and its meaning for our lives today. Childcare will be available starting at 6:15pm. You can also join us on line on our church’s Youtube Channel.

On Maundy Thursday, we step into the story of Jesus’ final night before his arrest—where love, service, and sacrifice take center stage. Led by our pastors and modern band, this service blends scripture, storytelling, and secular music to bring the journey of that night to life.

Experience the intimacy of the Last Supper through Holy Communion, the humility of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet through a hand-washing activity, and the weight of what was to come. Through music from our world today and over generations, we’ll discover how this ancient story still speaks to us, shaping our faith and calling.

Childcare will be available starting at 6:15pm. You can also join us online for this special service on YouTube. Come and remember what Jesus has done, is doing, and will do, as we find ourselves in the story once more.

Join our next Men’s Book Club at Zera’s Coffee, 420 E. McKinney, Denton. The book chosen is: America First by H.W. Brands. Discussion will be encouraged and occasionally we may even talk about the book. Even if you don’t read, come and enjoy the fellowship. Please contact Bob Voss 972-965-9605 for more information.

Book Description: Bestselling historian and Pulitzer Prize finalist H. W. Brands narrates the fierce debate over America's role in the world in the run-up to World War II through its two most important figures: President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who advocated intervention, and his isolationist nemesis, aviator and popular hero Charles Lindbergh.

You don't need any qualifications to be part of this group, just an open mind and a love of stories. May we be transformed by these stories together! We meet monthly and take turns selecting a book. Discussion is free-style and informal.

Join us on Zoom Monday, April 14 at 6:30pm for a discussion of our next book: The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel. Here’s a little about the book:

What’s the point of giving someone a beautiful death if you can’t give yourself a beautiful life? From the day she watched her kindergarten teacher drop dead during a dramatic telling of Peter Rabbit, Clover Brooks has felt a stronger connection with the dying than she has with the living. After the beloved grandfather who raised her dies alone while she is traveling, Clover becomes a death doula in New York City, dedicating her life to ushering people peacefully through their end-of-life process. Clover spends so much time with the dying that she has no life of her own, until the final wishes of a feisty old woman send Clover on a trip across the country to uncover a forgotten love story––and perhaps, her own happy ending. As she finds herself struggling to navigate the uncharted roads of romance and friendship, Clover is forced to examine what she really wants, and whether she’ll have the courage to go after it.

Date: Monday, April 14, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Miller Center
Cost: $15 (registration required). Send check made out to FUMC Trippers and mail to Happy Carrico, 1008 Thomas Street, Denton, TX 76201.

This hands-on class is for those who completed Mahjong 101 and want to practice real gameplay in a supportive setting.

What we’ll do:

• Apply the rules and concepts from Mahjong 101

• Practice tile recognition, hand-building, and game flow

• Engage in guided gameplay sessions with fellow beginners

• Receive personalized feedback from experienced players

• Gain confidence in playing a full game

Four to eight rounds will be played, helping you reinforce your Mahjong foundations and prepare for more advanced play. For more information, contact Happy Carrico.

The Easter Bunny is coming to FUMC Denton on Sunday, April 13 from 12:15-1:45 pm. Bring the whole family for a fun Community Egg Hunt. This event is 100% free and open to the public. We’ll have an Egg Hunt, pancake brunch, pictures with the Easter Bunny, and games. You’re encouraged to bring a basket for each child but we will have bags on site for those who don’t have their own. See you there!

El Conejo de Pascua llegará a FUMC Denton el domingo 13 de abril de 12:15 a 1:45 p. m. Traiga a toda la familia para una divertida búsqueda de huevos comunitaria. Este evento es 100 % gratuito y abierto al público. Tendremos una búsqueda de huevos, un brunch de panqueques, fotos con el Conejo de Pascua y juegos. Se recomienda que traiga una canasta para cada niño, pero tendremos bolsas en el lugar para aquellos que no tengan la suya. ¡Nos vemos allí!

Join us in Ivey Garden on Palm Sunday for our annual palm parade. We will gather at 10:50 to hear the children’s choir sing, the brass band play, pray and sing together, and then parade with our palms to the 11:00 service in the Sanctuary and Open in Flinn Hall. Mosaic will have a seperate processional at 9am. Come and join us as we celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem the first step in our journey through Holy Week, toward the cross, and ultimately, the empty tomb on a glorious Easter morning! 

Join us each Wednesday during the season of Lent for a brief service of Midday Prayer. We’ll be meeting at Noon in Cole Chapel on April 2 & 9. All are welcome!