A New Chapter for Ministerio Jesus Fuente de Vida

Greetings! 

We wanted to let you know about an exciting update regarding FUMC Denton’s Spanish-language worship community “Ministerio Jesus Fuente de Vida” (MJFV). 

For years, MJFV has gathered on Sunday afternoons, reaching individuals and families who are looking for a Spanish-speaking Christian community rooted in United Methodist theology. Pastor Martha Segundo has led this community for the past two years, and since our arrival, we have discussed ways to maximize MJFV’s mission. Recently, our attention turned to both the time and location of the worship service, and how considering changes to both might prove beneficial. 

We are excited to announce that starting on September 21, MJFV will begin worshipping at 10:45 am in Cole Chapel. That morning, we will gather as a united congregation outside of Cole Chapel (weather permitting) to celebrate and bless the MJFV community as they enter into this new, bright chapter of their story. Sanctuary and Open services will then meet as regularly scheduled at 11 am. 

This move will be beneficial in several ways. Pastor Martha believes Sunday morning will be a more attractive time for those seeking this community. Likewise, she believes Cole Chapel will prove to be a better environment for her congregation given its more intimate size and traditional styling. We are confident both the time and location will help MJFV thrive. 

At the same time, this move will bless our whole congregation. Since arriving a year ago, we (Scott and Raegan) have noticed that because MJFV has met in the afternoons, it is easy for someone who attends in the mornings to have no idea that FUMC is home to a spanish-language worship community. To be honest, it has negatively impacted our own leadership as the Co-Lead Pastors, because it has made it all too easy for us to at times lose sight of MJFV in the “periphery” of ministry because we literally don’t see each other as often. By integrating our Sunday mornings with intention and allowing the Spirit to work its wonder through organic relationship-building, we believe every worship community will be enriched by the presence of each other. 

And for those who worship in Open, you may be wondering about having two worship services in such close proximity who both like to worship at “level 11.” We have taken that into account; our team has tested the two rooms for sound, and they are surprisingly isolated from one another. We believe it will be a positive experience for everyone! 

I hope you are as excited for this development as we are; when Pastor Martha asked the MJFV community about the possible change, they said, “Yes! Can we start next week?!” Join us in prayer for what God is doing through MJFV and through FUMC Denton as a united church. September 21 will be a celebration and a day to remember! 

Grace and Peace, 

Raegan and Scott