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Welcome to this edition of Focus on First, our magazine about the life and ministries of First United Methodist Church. Occasionally we send Focus on First to our entire community and design it as a “snapshot” of First Methodist. This fall edition focuses especially on our many worship services. First Methodist has its roots in Mansfield going back as far as 1867, having served this exciting community for many generations. And as this area has grown, so has First
Methodist, becoming the 25th highest attended Methodist church in the nation. This special church has many things we emphasize — children’s ministries, youth ministries, care ministries and many adult ministry opportunities. But few things communicate who we are more than our commitment to worship (we have seven
weekly worship opportunities) and mission (we do extensive mission work locally and around the world). I have long seen worshiping God as the engine of our
church and mission as our heart. I am convinced God works in both. In this magazine, we will highlight worship — our many worship opportunities and the pastors and staff who lead them. If you are new to our community or have yet to find a church home, I hope that one of our worship opportunities and times will work for you, and you will join us soon and connect — with God, other folks and this growing community of worship and mission.
Focus on FirstFall 2011 • www.firstmethodistmansfield.org
The life and ministries of First United Methodist Church of Mansfield
A community of worship and mission
Making disciples of Jesus Christ who will love God, love others and serve the world.
777 N. Walnut Creek DriveMansfield, TX 76063
By Rev. Mike Ramsdell, Senior Pastor
I have long seen worshiping God as the engine of our church and mission as our heart.
Rev. Mike Ramsdell, Senior PastorPastor Mike Ramsdell is in his 17th year of service as senior pastor at First Methodist Mansfield, leading the church to amazing growth — from a church membership of a little over a thousand to over 6,000 now. He primarily preaches at our Sunday morning worship services in the Sanctuary. Pastor Mike is part of “The Leading Edge,” a group of pastors of the top 100 Methodist churches charged with revitalizing the denomination. He loves preaching, pastoral care and leading a church into expanded and growing life and mission. His identical twin brother, Steve, is also a Methodist minister, leading First United Methodist Church in Waco.
Mike grew up in a military family, traveling the world. After high school, he spent six years in the Navy. “At 20, while in the Navy, I encountered Christ in a personal way and made a commitment to follow and serve Him. Not long after, I felt God leading me into full-time service in and through the church. I have never questioned that call to the church,” said Mike about what led him into ministry.
Meet our pastors
Q & A with Pastor MikeQ: When you were a child, what did you want to be when you
grew up?
A: “As I child growing up, I wanted to be career military or a police officer.”
Q: How does being a pastor affect your family?
A: “For my family, they have always experienced life with me in the ministry. What might seem abnormal for some seems normal to them. Rhonda, my wife, knew I was going to be a minister when we got married and has always been a supportive partner. One of the things that speaks to this is that two of our children who are grown with children of their own go to church with us.”
Q: How many hours per week are you “on the job”?
A: “It is hard to estimate time because being a pastor typically never ends, from preparing for a message, leading a team, providing pastoral care, planning for future ministry, but my best guess would be 60 hours some weeks — sometimes more and sometimes less.”
Q: If you weren’t a pastor, what do you think you would be?
A: “If I was not a pastor, I would probably be a teacher, either in high school or college.”
Q: What would surprise people about you?
A: “Some people might be surprised to know how introverted I am and that I went to junior high school and the first half of high school in Okinawa, Japan.”
To read more “Q & A’s” with our pastors, go to:http://www.firstmethodistmansfield.org/latest-news-blog/
Photo courtesy of Erin Noll Photography
Title: Senior Pastor
Years in ministry: 33 years
Churches served: Bangs, Waxahachie, Joshua and Mansfield
Education: BA in Bible and History, Central Bible College
Masters of Divinity, Brite Divinity School, TCU
Family: Wife, Rhonda; children, Julie, Michael and Kelly; eight grandchildren
Special interests: Motorcycle touring, weight lifting, an occasional movie and the beach
2 Focus on First - Fall 2011
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s Rev. David Alexander, Teaching PastorPastor David Alexander has been a leader at First Methodist Mansfield for seven years. He primarily preaches at our Saturday night worship and “The Well” on Sunday mornings in the Chapel. David has been set apart for training and leadership as a young pastor, including participating in the Young Pastors Network, a national organization. David loves preaching, teaching and serving as a mentor to staff and others. As part of that, David writes GPS (Grow, Pray, Study), our daily devotional guide that goes out to close to a thousand people every day.
David is the son of a Methodist pastor and first heard the call to ministry while at camp during his teen years. “Growing up in the church environment, I knew a lot of what happens ‘behind the scenes’ in the church and in a minister’s family. I saw the amazing blessing, but I also saw the challenges. I did not see myself following that path, but in high school I began to feel a strong calling towards this life. Hearing that call affirmed by so many others who knew me and believed in me is a big reason why I am where I am today,” said David.
Q & A with Pastor DavidQ: What’s been harder as a pastor than you thought it would be?
A: “I think I would say developing the disciplines needed to teach and preach on a regular basis. There is a ton of behind-the-scenes research, learning, reflecting that goes into crafting a message each week that is difficult to explain, but it does require you to build certain disciplines into your life.”
Q: What would surprise people about you?A: “I’m kind of a home body. I love being home with my kids, kicking
back in my recliner and reading a good book. I’m not always comfortable in a big group of people who I don’t know real well.”
Rev. Sharon Reid, Executive PastorPastor Sharon Reid has the longest tenure at First Methodist Mansfield — over 18 years — having served in many areas, including youth ministry, discipleship ministries and now as the church’s Executive Pastor. Sharon’s primary responsibilities are strategic planning and leadership of the church and staff. She is also part of a network of executive pastors of the largest Methodist churches and helps to lead and train others. Sharon enjoys preaching, teaching, developing discipleship programs and leading in worship, but her greatest gift is helping others find their place in the life of the church.
“I actually felt a call to be a pastor when I was about 13, but because there were no female pastors in my church, I didn’t understand what God was calling me to do,” said Sharon about what led her into ministry. “Not long after we joined First Methodist, I was hired to serve as the part-time youth director. I started working with great role models, as well as other female pastors, and soon my understanding of the role God had in mind for me as a pastor became real to me.”
Q & A with Pastor SharonQ: What do you see as your greatest accomplishment?
A: “I’m really proud of being a part of leading our youth ministry from a point where we were serving 15 active students, their families and a handful of volunteers in 1993 to about 250 active students, their families and dozens of volunteers in 2003. All of those students are now adults, and I often have the privilege of serving in ministry with them, officiating their marriages or baptizing their babies.”
Q: What would surprise people about you?
A: “I was a cheerleader in high school, and in 1973, I was the Itasca Wampus Cat Homecoming Queen.”
Rev. Caesar Rentie,Celebrate Recovery PastorPastor Caesar Rentie has been at First Methodist Mansfield for one year. He also serves as the Chaplain at Mansfield Methodist Hospital. Caesar primarily leads our Thursday night Celebrate Recovery worship service. He is a graduate of Oklahoma University where he played football under Barry Switzer and earned two Orange Bowl rings. He also played professional football for six years, including a stint with the Chicago Bears.
“I don’t’ know that I was led more than I was pushed and dragged into this vocation,” said Caesar about what led him into ministry. “Ministry was not my first choice. But if there is one resounding reason why I am here and now fully embrace my call, it is my love for people. I feel so strongly that the two great missions of the church are to first go and make disciples and to love people regardless of who they are.”
Q & A with Pastor CaesarQ: Do people treat you differently when they find out you are
a pastor?
A: “Sometimes people feel that they have to be perfect when they find out you are in ministry. They might try to clean up their language or try to put off a certain persona. I have to often remind people that I played NCAA college football and in the NFL, and the last time I checked, there were no choir boys in either arena.”
Q: What would surprise people about you?
A: “I like ironing my own shirts. For some reason, when I’m ironing my shirts, I really have meaningful prayer time.”
Title: Celebrate Recovery Pastor
Years in ministry: 17 years
Churches served: St. Luke “Community,” Grace UMC, Mansfield, Arcadia Park UMC
Education: BA Intrapersonal Communication, Oklahoma University
Masters of Theological Studies, TCU
Family: Daughters Carra (16) and Chloe (14); fiancée Cynthia Blake
Special interests: Fishing, gardening, writing and spending time with family
Title: Executive Pastor
Years in ministry: 18 years
Churches served: Mansfield
Education: Texas Tech University
Course of Study for United Methodist Pastors, Perkins School of Theology
Family: Husband, Ron; sons, Brad, Matt and Chris; grandchildren, Jorden and Joshua
Special interests: Reading, playing the piano, photography, playing video games and spending time with the grandkids
Title: Teaching Pastor
Years in ministry: 10 years
Churches served: Cleburne and Mansfield
Education: BBA Finance, Texas A&M University
Masters of Divinity, Brite Divinity School, TCU
Family: Wife, Stephanie; children, Anna (7) and Jack (3)
Special interests: Running (plans to run in the New York Marathon this November)
Photos courtesy of Erin Noll Photography
Focus on First - Fall 2011 3
Focus on worship
Saturday, 6:00 p.m. in the SanctuaryMeeting for a little over four years, our Saturday night worship has grown dynamically. Here you will experience a softer and newer contemporary worship that includes guitars, drums, keyboards and music team. The three-screen video setup allows the pastor and worship leader to communicate in a very visual, yet personal way. Led by Rev. David Alexander, prayer, worship and preaching are the cornerstones of this service. Jason Nix is the music and worship leader. Communion is offered each week.
“We go to Saturday night because of the laid back atmosphere. The crowd isn’t as big as Sunday, so it feels intimate. Love the music!“ — Susan Jantz
First United Methodist Mansfield offers a number of worship services each weekend, whether you prefer contemporary or traditional, Saturday or Sunday, morning or evening. All of our major worship services follow the same message theme each week. We also offer live streaming video of our Saturday evening and 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Sunday Sanctuary services at www.firstmethodistmansfield.tv. In addition, we have a special Celebrate Recovery worship service on Thursday evenings that focuses on recovery issues and celebrates God’s healing power in our lives.
Sunday, 8:15 & 11:00 a.m. in the SanctuaryThese two Sunday services are led by our choir, often orchestra, and follow an informal, traditional format that is enhanced with the use of innovative video technology. Experience great and inspiring music, old and new hymns, occasional readings, affirmations of faith and moments of prayer and worship that we pray connects us with God — the ultimate purpose of all worship services. But the sermon is the key part of this worship experience as we seek to take the unchanging Bible and apply it to this amazing world. Rev. Mike Ramsdell is the lead pastor, and Dr. Scott Ferrell is the music leader.
“We go to the 8:15 a.m. service because we like to be up early and because we like the traditional service. When I feel the need to hear David’s “take” on the subject, I will go to the internet and watch his service on Saturday night. We are so lucky to have such brilliant pastors.” — Vicki Aldridge
“We love the traditional service because of the beautiful music with the orchestra and the choir.” — Ali Foster
Sunday, 9:30 a.m. in the SanctuaryThis service has a full praise band and music team. Guitars, drums, piano and an occasional flute are used to exalt God in worship. Most of the music is praise, worship and contemporary, although some old hymns are experienced in a classic, contemporary style. Prayer, worship and preaching are the core of this service as we seek to connect to each other and to God in an inspirational and engaging way. The “good news” story is often told here in a video format. Rev. Mike Ramsdell is the lead pastor for this service, and Stephanie Gow is the music and worship leader.
“Love the contemporary music, and then we are able to go to Sunday School after while our little ones are in G-Force.” — Karen Dotson
Sunday, 11:00 a.m. in the ChapelOne of our newest worship services — called The Well — meets in our newly renovated Chapel. It has grown more rapidly than any service in our history. Drums, guitars and worship songs allow you to relax and experience God at your own pace. Video stories are also used along with a special visual way to worship called Environmental Projection. There are many ways to communicate God’s good news, and in The Well, you will experience almost all of them. Pastor David Alexander leads this service with Doug Peak as the worship leader.
“We have moved over to The Well. We love the intimate setting and close community. The worship team is so real, and you can feel their hearts are in love with our God! Pure hearts!” — Ryan and Gennie Coe
Sunday, 5:00 p.m. in the SanctuaryThis new service begins September 11. It has a number of things in common with the Saturday service, including video projection and unique ways to communicate the “good news” story. There will be a full band with a music and worship team led by Josh Nix. Our full team of pastors will rotate leading this service — Senior Pastor Mike Ramsdell, Teaching Pastor David Alexander and Pastor Caesar Rentie will all preach on occasion. Special message series and individual messages will guide what we think will be an important and rapidly growing service.
Thursday, 6:00 p.m. in the ChapelOur Celebrate Recovery worship has been meeting for a little over a year. This service has a full band, worship leader and music team and includes a group of committed people who help prepare and serve in this special time of worship that emphasizes God’s grace and how God can work in lives. It is an inspirational worship time that especially focuses on recovery and life change. Rev. Caesar Rentie is the lead preacher at this service, and Karen McGough leads the music and worship.
Saturday 6:00 p.m.
Traditional (from First Family Christmas)
Sunday 9:30 a.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m. — The Well
Thursday night Celebrate Recovery
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Photos courtesy of Erin Noll Photography
4 Focus on First - Fall 2011
Worship ScheduleSunday8:15 a.m. Traditional – Sanctuary
9:30 a.m. Contemporary – Sanctuary
11:00 a.m. Traditional – Sanctuary
Contemporary – Chapel
5:00 p.m. Contemporary – Sanctuary Begins September 11
Middle School High Worship A&E 222 (7th-8th grade)
Spanish Language − Chapel (2nd & 3rd Sunday each month)
7:00 p.m. Cokesbury Traditional – Chapel
Breakaway High School Worship A&E 222 (9th-12th grade)Thursday 6:30 p.m. Celebrate Recovery in ChapelSaturday6:00 p.m. Contemporary – Sanctuary
For the latest news, visit our website at
www.firstmethodistmansfield.org
Focus on First is a publication of First United Methodist Church of Mansfield.
777 N. Walnut Creek Drive Mansfield, TX 76063 Phone (817)477-2287 Fax (682)518-7786
Editor – Cindy Brown
© 2011 First United Methodist Church Mansfield. All rights reserved.
Visitors & New MembersWelcomeFocus on new sermon series
If you have been visiting with us or are a new member of First United Methodist Church and want to learn more about us, please join us for our First Connections Class. This two-week class is co-led by Pastor Mike Ramsdell and Jana Hall, First Connections Director. This is a fun and informative session where you can learn more about our church, our history, our mission and what we believe. We also take a campus tour. Childcare is available, and the class is open to everyone. Please check out the website or church calendar for specific class dates.
If you have any questions about how to join or you want to attend one of the classes, please contact Jana Hall at (817)477-2287 or [email protected].
First United Methodist Church Staff ContactsRev. Mike Ramsdell - Senior Pastor [email protected]
Rev. Sharon Reid - Executive Pastor [email protected]
Rev. David Alexander - Teaching Pastor [email protected]
Rev. Caesar Rentie- Celebrate Recovery Pastor [email protected]
Rev. Dr. Jim Gause - Pastoral Care [email protected]
Rev. Dr. David Chavez - Hispanic Ministries Pastor [email protected]
Debbie Black – Care Ministries Director [email protected]
Jana Hall – First Connections [email protected]
Johnny Brower - Student Ministries Director [email protected]
Tina Schramme - Children & Family Ministries Director [email protected]
Dr. Scott Ferrell - Traditional Worship Arts Director [email protected]
Stephanie Gow - Worship Leader/Marriage Ministry [email protected]
Teresa Sherwood - Mission Ministries Director [email protected]
Penny Voss - Administrative Manager [email protected]
Guardrails . . . begins September 10 / 11When a car takes a sharp turn, there are most often guardrails that protect and guide it past the danger. In this fall message series, we will look at the guardrails that guard, protect and guide those who follow Jesus. The Bible teaches us of many practices and of a deep faith that keeps the follower of Christ on the narrow road Jesus offers — defined as the “abundant life” — and off the wide road that Jesus also talks about, the one that leads to destruction!
Picture Perfect . . . October 1 / 2You’ve seen their shiny, happy faces staring at you from picture frames, magazine ads and commercials. They are the perfect family. Every tooth sparkles. Every face beams with joy. And they seem to have everything you don’t. But the reality is, well, they aren’t real. In fact, it’s an illusion. There’s no such thing as a picture-perfect family. Families are made up of imperfect people — people like you and me. So, how do we live and interact with the family God has placed us in? How do we find a way to be a part of it instead of just surviving and living for the day when we move on? Because no family is perfect. And no person is either.
Children’s & Youth WorshipG-Force Children’s Worship
G-Force for 1st through 4th graders and G-Force 5.6 for 5th and 6th graders are special worship times that run consecutively with four of our main services — Saturday at 6:00 p.m., Sunday at 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and will also support our Spanish-speaking service that will be on Sundays at 5:00 p.m. in the Chapel. We recently created a unique worship space just for the kids called First Place ZONE. This special worship area is secure, includes multimedia and is designed especially to encourage kids to connect with God and each other in a personal and engaging way. This new space will hold more than 400 children and is an exciting addition to First Methodist and this growing community.
FuelMiddle School Worship — Sundays at 5:00 p.m.Get ready for a fun and spirit-filled worship service specifically for middle school students. Our Middle School Director, Mel Strom, leads a dynamic time of worship with a live worship band, state-of-the-art lights and sound, a relevant message and loads of fun games! This is a great time for your student to connect with God and each other in a very real way. Be sure to stay after worship for a time of hanging out, Xbox, ping pong and food!
BreakawayHigh School Worship — Sundays at 7:00 p.m.This is worship geared specifically toward high school students. With games, state-of-the-art sound and lights, live worship and a relevant message, your student is bound to make new friends and deepen their relationship with God. Breakaway is led by our Student Ministries Director, Johnny Brower. A meal is served an hour prior to worship; this is a great opportunity to connect with new friends and fellowship with old ones.
“It’s an awesome place for fellowship, hanging out with friends and to have more God time.” — Austin Kanady
Both our high school and middle school worship services meet in our newly renovated Student Center, “The Loft,” upstairs in the A&E Building.
flickr.com/tbissacs
GPS [Grow, Pray, Study]One of First Methodist Mansfield’s key values is “to embed the Bible in everything.” And that’s what GPS does. GPS is our daily devotional guide designed to add to theseasonal and sermon series emphasis. It was launched with the simple goal of helping people take their weekend worship experience to a deeper level and grow intheir love of God, love of neighbor and commitment to serve the world. Today, GPScontinues with the mission of providing resources for growing disciples. The GPS daily devotion guide includes five days of scripture readings and reflection questions with a weekly “GPS for Families” section designed to help parents share with their kids what they are learning in their daily readings. Our pastors also record a weekly GPS podcast that serves as a supplemental teaching for those using the guide for their daily devotional resource. To learn more about GPS, we invite you to go to www.growpraystudy.org.
