Volunteer Connection Blog - Entries written by Bev Campisi

WedWednesdayMayMay16th2012 Oh PLARN!

Posted Wednesday, May 16 2012 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

I did it again. Went in to do my grocery shopping and left my eco-friendly tote bags in the trunk. And so I have once again come home with more plastic bags! I used to get to the check outline and say, "Oh Darn!" And now I joyfully think, "Oh PLARN!" What a blessing knowing I can bring my bags to church. Because of the Homeless MAT-ters ministry team, someone is going to make something beautiful of what is otherwise waste. And that something beautiful will result in a meaningful gift to a... More

WedWednesdayMayMay9th2012 Give/Receive...Give/Receive...

Posted Wednesday, May 09 2012 @ 11 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

You've heard of the gift that keeps on giving? That is how I look at volunteering or serving. I volunteer, I get back. I serve, I find joy. I often tell people I am purely selfish in doing the things I do because I (emphasis on I) get so much joy in the doing. I happen to know it is not just ME that feels that way! Paul felt that way too. He said as much when he wrote his greeting to the Romans. Romans 1:11-12 says, "I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you... More

WedWednesdayMayMay2nd2012 All Things Work Together For Good

Posted Wednesday, May 02 2012 @ 12 PM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

When our church recently hosted a very large celebration of a life well-lived, the family left many beautiful flowers with us, inviting us to take and share them with others. Our Flower Delivery Ministry Team, which has been featured in a prior article, does this kind of dividing into vases on Sunday mornings, and then taking to members who might be at home or in the hospital. But this funeral was on a Monday, and our team could not really handle this. On this particular Monday, when we had... More

TueTuesdayAprApril24th2012 Listen in Love

Posted Tuesday, April 24 2012 @ 5 PM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

The first mission trip I ever went on was many years ago, but the most significant thing I heard repeatedly from our Youth Pastor before we set out was that it really wasn't about the WORK we were going to go DO at some house we would be assigned to, but it was really about creating a relationship with the client we would be serving... to just listen to them if they wanted to talk. Like even stop working, and just listen. Early last Saturday morning a whole lot of men, women, teens and children... More

WedWednesdayAprApril18th2012 Let Me Help

Posted Wednesday, April 18 2012 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

I used to be a High School Child Development teacher. A Home Economics vocational education course I facilitated placed Juniors and Seniors as aides to teachers in preschool classrooms and in private day care centers. This allowed me to observe lots of human behavior in young children, teenagers and teachers of all ages. Everyone who was associated with this program confirmed by their work experiences with little children that kids love to imitate, and they long to please people. They just love... More

WedWednesdayAprApril11th2012 We Care

Posted Wednesday, April 11 2012 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Each Tuesday afternoon I write this article after we have been in our weekly church staff meeting. This week's meeting included a chance for us to look back at Easter, beginning with Palm Sunday and to discuss each of the events, all of the Holy week opportunities we have held, concluding with Easter morning worship services. After good discussion, suggestions, evaluation and positive comments had been shared, it was the two simple words stated by our wise Reverend Melburn Sibley that spoke... More

WedWednesdayAprApril4th2012 A New Beginning

Posted Wednesday, April 04 2012 @ 11 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

A new beginning... Holy Week is certainly proving to be that. Plans have been going on for months. Our Re-Lent series, our Re-Lent Devotionals and an incredibly moving Palm Sunday worship experience set the stage. Tuesday's storms changed so many peoples' lives here in Texas. Our church staff left our work to go down to the church basement with a little class of Creative Learning Center students and teachers, who kept singing songs while we all tried to connect with our families. We will... More

WedWednesdayMarMarch28th2012 Have a Heart

Posted Wednesday, March 28 2012 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Dictionary.com defines a volunteer as "a person who performs a service willingly and without pay." (And the Bible does not even use the word volunteer! It is called service!) The without pay is, of course, a given. But have you ever been a volunteer and you realize that you aren't serving in that capacity as willingly as you might have previously? I have! One year, MANY years ago, I nearly lost my religion teaching Sunday School to 6th grade boys. I was a professional high school teacher and I... More

WedWednesdayMarMarch21st2012 It's Simply Amazing

Posted Wednesday, March 21 2012 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

"Church" on Sunday mornings alone is a pretty amazing experience, one hour at a time, with our worshiping, praising and sharing together in the Word. Not to mention all the great things the nursery and Sunday school rooms hold for each of us, all ages and stages. But what is REALLY amazing is what you miss by only being at church on Sundays! Simply amazing to me is the amount of activity that goes on daily throughout our campuses and buildings! And it is all about people who have found... More

WedWednesdayMarMarch14th2012 Jesus Loves the Little Children!

Posted Wednesday, March 14 2012 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

At a recent Council on Ministries meeting I told the representatives that I would be happy to feature any of their ministries in the Volunteer Connection article of E-News, and Wendy Merrill grabbed me with excitement. She told me how the Creative Learning Center (CLC) IS a ministry of the church, but appears under the Children's News, which she feels many church members might not read about and because other church members read Volunteer Connection, she'd love for me to feature CLC! Since I am... More

WedWednesdayMarMarch7th2012 What is your name on?

Posted Wednesday, March 07 2012 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Remember that concept that if you know of a need and you feel something should be done about that need, God probably has YOUR name on it for YOU to do? A few years ago, Emily Diehm began a new ministry team serving a vital need for our church. Her dear husband Floyd had passed away and she went in and told Ken that she always thought she would like to visit the homebound. His response was "Have at it, Mom!" and the Visiting Angels team of ONE was begun! Over these few years, the Visiting Angels... More

WedWednesdayFebFebruary29th2012 Easter Cometh!

Posted Wednesday, February 29 2012 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Our three Sanctuaries are such special places for us to come each week and to offer our worship to God. I was speaking to a visitor recently about the crosses up above the altar area now, and how during Advent, our lit trees are there. We have a wonderfully vital ministry team who works behind the scenes to help enhance our worship experience as our Holy seasons change throughout the year. They have given thought and time to planning how the decor will change, and then helpers assist in... More

WedWednesdayFebFebruary22nd2012 Barbara's Team

Posted Wednesday, February 22 2012 @ 11 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

If you were here 3 Lenten seasons ago, you remember we found hundreds and hundreds of ways to get involved helping our neighbors, after having studied the life-changing book The Hole in Our Gospel . One of my nearest and dearest stories is still the relationships we've made with a neighbor who lives "next door" in the Grapevine Housing Authority. Disabled and only in her 50's, her request was to receive help with her laundry. Yes, there is a laundry facility at the top of the hill, but her... More

WedWednesdayFebFebruary15th2012 Feed My Sheep

Posted Wednesday, February 15 2012 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

When I heard again in the Council on Ministries meeting that there are people wanting to get to church but who cannot because they still don't have a way to get here, it hit me. We feed so many of His sheep, don't we, through Weekend Food, Be Our Guest, Never Go Hungry Casseroles, in Kenya and in Costa Rica? Yet what are we doing to feed His sheep in Grapevine on Sunday mornings who want to come to church to receive the Living Water, the Bread of Life but don't have transportation to do so? It... More

TueTuesdayFebFebruary7th2012 Are you lurking in the shadows?

Posted Tuesday, February 07 2012 @ 4 PM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Quit lurking and BECOME a shadow! Here's why and here's how! We have several ministries which could be more effective if a few more team members were added to their lists. Perhaps you have time and desire to serve somewhere, but you just are not certain something would be right for you. What if you were to shadow a person already involved in that ministry team's work and see for yourself what all is involved? Here are some random examples: Any Monday afternoon shadow someone at Project Fun! You... More

WedWednesdayFebFebruary1st2012 Connecting Goals, Resolutions, Resolve, Nonsense and Joy!

Posted Wednesday, February 01 2012 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Goals, Resolutions, Resolve, Nonsense and Joy! That is the course my mind and heart took as I thought about a devotional I was to share in staff meeting this week. I was thinking of goals we are challenged to express and work toward... thinking of New Years Resolutions we make and hope to keep... thinking of Jesus and the resolve he must have had his entire life and years of ministry. Then I found a small book in our church library entitled Happiness is Sharing . It is on a shelf marked Prayers... More

WedWednesdayJanJanuary25th2012 Immeasurably More

Posted Wednesday, January 25 2012 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

This week I had the opportunity to work with our membership secretary, Cheri Rutledge, on pulling together some numbers which she compiles for an annual report to the Central Texas Conference, and then that report goes on to our United Methodist General Board in Nashville. It asks for things like the number of children, youth and adults in all Christian formation Groups and other Small Group Ministries. It asks for the number of people sent out on teams to help others, and it asks for the... More

WedWednesdayJanJanuary18th2012 That's what I love about grace!!

Posted Wednesday, January 18 2012 @ 11 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Three weeks into the new year and I am still scrambling! I have heard some of you say the same thing! Our best intentions sometimes are thwarted by various circumstances, some we can control and some we cannot. It might be that you MEANT to sign up and turn your Volunteer Connection form in, committing to service in 2012. It might be that you are a team leader and meant to already have contacted your new interested people, welcoming them to your team. It might be that you signed up and we... More

WedWednesdayJanJanuary4th2012 More Top 10 Reasons

Posted Wednesday, January 04 2012 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

More Top 10 Reasons to visit the 2012 Ministry Expo on Sunday, January 8, in the Family Life Center (not to mention the free coffee, hot chocolate, donut holes and muffins)! #10. Learn just how Angelic those people of Angel Food really are, cooking and delivering meals to those who have need of a little food-love! #9. Our Fellowship team plans large church socials and events and wants you to join the fun! #8. Pew Backs? We sit there every Sunday and never think about who changes out the items... More

WedWednesdayDecDecember28th2011 Top Ten Reasons to visit the 2012 Ministry Expo

Posted Wednesday, December 28 2011 @ 11 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Top Ten Reasons to visit the 2012 Ministry Expo on Sunday, January 8, in the Family Life Center # 10. You can see just what kind of Wings Angels have! #9. You just thought you knew what a Handyman on Call looked like! #8. Go Center? Our newest ministry! Come and Go and learn all about it! #7. Benefit by visiting the Bereavement table! #6. Everyone loves to receive Flowers from the Flower Delivery team! #5. Get in on the ground floor with the 2012 Gala and Auction planning team! #4. See how... More

WedWednesdayDecDecember21st2011 Best New Years Celebration Ever!

Posted Wednesday, December 21 2011 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Best New Years Celebration Ever! Ministry Expo 2012 Celebrating what we "Do" for Christ at First United Methodist Church On Sunday, January 8, plan to add time to your regular Sunday worship experience and come over to the Family Life Center for a REAL New Years Celebration! We know God's love is as wide as from the East to the West. We know His love is deep and long. We know our ministries represent the hands and feet of Christ to so many. Now come and see just how wide, how deep how long as... More

WedWednesdayDecDecember7th2011 It's Time!

Posted Wednesday, December 07 2011 @ 11 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

"I can hardly wait!" This was what one ministry team leader told me last week, wondering when she would be able to get her list of new team members for 2012! Thanks if you have already turned in your Volunteer Connection Serving Form. If you haven't, it's time! I began weeks ago sending an email thank-you note to each person whose form I had received. That good effort was abandoned last week after the flood of your commitment forms were received from you bringing them forward during our church... More

WedWednesdayNovNovember30th2011 Great by Choice

Posted Wednesday, November 30 2011 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Great by Choice . It's actually the name of a book written by business guru Jim Collins. An article in COSTCO's Connection magazine reminded me of us. The article spoke of how in 2002 the world suddenly felt uncertain, less predictable, less safe and far more chaotic. It's almost 2012, and it still feels like that! In his book, Jim Collins reflected on what systematically separates those who build great companies in an uncertain and fast-moving world from those who cannot succeed. He feels we... More

WedWednesdayNovNovember23rd2011 Come, Ye Thankful People Come!

Posted Wednesday, November 23 2011 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

The old hymn of Thanksgiving sounds softly in my mind, especially at this time of year. This, our season of Gratitude being expressed to God through our gifts of Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service and Witness, makes me especially thankful for each of you. We as a church are so blessed. We are one in the Spirit and we are one in the Lord, yet each one of us bring before the altar our uniqueness. Created equally in HIS sight, by our Creator Father, yet shaped by human life experiences, we come to... More

WedWednesdayNovNovember16th2011 Find Your Fit!

Posted Wednesday, November 16 2011 @ 11 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

To date, 53 of you have already turned in your completed serving forms and you have checked your commitment to serve in 210 ways! Some of you might have marked 2 items. Some might have committed your interest to serve as many as 15. We're not keeping score! But it is just GREAT knowing you will be blessed to be a blessing through meaningful service to others. If you are looking for a place to serve, you just MUST take time and read the descriptions written of the 160+ Ministries we've listed at... More

WedWednesdayNovNovember9th2011 SUBS NEEDED

Posted Wednesday, November 09 2011 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged Opportunities 0 comments Add comment

Not the 6" or 12" sub, but the people kind of sub. Substitutes! Last Sunday, the leaders of several ministry areas gave presentations in Leach Hall (and this will be offered again on Dec. 4, at 10:10) and each felt their biggest current need was simply to add folks to their sub lists. If you would be a sub: Worship/Welcoming Teams: Larry Lamprich at lamprich@verizon.net can place you on a sub list to fill in occasionally when one of the regular ushers or greeters for worship services in the... More

WedWednesdayNovNovember2nd2011 You are Invited!

Posted Wednesday, November 02 2011 @ 12 PM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Everyone is always welcome to serve, but sometimes you might feel you need to be invited. Here is an ongoing invitation for you: This Sunday, November 6, visit a table following your worship service with questions you might have about ministries. At 10:10 AM come to Leach Hall for our second First Sunday Sharing of Ministries by various leaders. Hear about all of our Welcoming Teams who serve at worship services, hear about our Thrift Shop and it's vast influence for our neighbors and about our... More

WedWednesdayOctOctober26th2011 People Get Ready

Posted Wednesday, October 26 2011 @ 11 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

As we enter this season of GRATITUDE making our commitments to support the church with our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service and our witness, I keep humming an old Gospel Song about being ready to board a Gospel train that is coming. Some of the lyrics remind me of what we are all about as people trying to follow the life example Jesus lived. Just think of Christ's daily responses to any person around him - wherever he was on any given day or night, at any given event, whether in a... More

WedWednesdayOctOctober19th2011 What are we missing?

Posted Wednesday, October 19 2011 @ 9 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

The Council on Ministries leaders and members of the church staff are all looking at our ministry descriptions which you will be given in November in our Volunteer Connection booklet. We are checking to be sure we include all of the new ministries that have begun and to edit out anything that has changed since last Fall. So it makes me wonder...are WE missing something? Do you have an idea in your heart and mind about being able to do something that First UMC Grapevine isn't currently doing?... More

WedWednesdayOctOctober12th2011 Best Story Ever

Posted Wednesday, October 12 2011 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

So here is a great story! Wendy Merrill spoke about Children's Ministries on Sunday, October 2, in the Sharing Ministries hour (which will be taking place again on Nov. 6 and Dec 4). Wendy said Seekers members could share their wisdom with little ones. That was a polite way to say most of us are in the graying years of our lives. Suzi Guckel, hearing Wendy's words, had some questions which she felt would be best answered if she shadowed Wendy the next Sunday and observed just what goes on as a... More

WedWednesdayOctOctober5th2011 Meeting a Need, Making Disciples

Posted Wednesday, October 05 2011 @ 4 PM byBev Campisi Tagged Opportunities 0 comments Add comment

If you missed last week's article you might have missed reading of the first of three chances to learn about some of the vital ministries we have here at First Methodist Church. Seekers Sunday School Class always welcomes guests, but the topic of Ministry Highlights will be offered again on November 6, and December 4. Held during the 10:10 AM Sunday School hour in Leach Hall, all are welcome to come and hear from additional leaders of various ministries as prepare to make our 2012 commitments... More

WedWednesdaySepSeptember28th2011 SO MANY MINISTRIES! What to do?!

Posted Wednesday, September 28 2011 @ 12 PM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

On three future Sundays during our 10:10 Sunday School hour, you are invited to join me and the Seekers Sunday School class to help determine just that! What should you do? What will your new year look like in terms of where you place your priorities in service to God? Would you like a fresh perspective on the possibilities that are here for you to consider? On October 2, November 6, and December 4, come to Leach Hall (behind Founders Chapel) and join the Seekers Sunday School Class. Various... More

WedWednesdaySepSeptember14th2011 Committed to/Connected to Ministry

Posted Wednesday, September 14 2011 @ 11 AM byBev Campisi Tagged Ideas Opportunities Stories 0 comments Add comment

Some folks in the world of church volunteerism feel we shouldn't use the term "volunteer" because as Christians, our service is a commitment of our faith to ministry, so we are not just a regular ole "volunteer." I agree with the intent but also don't have issue with the word "volunteer." I DO like the connectedness and the commitment aspect but still believe strongly in our attitude of team ministry... Of knowing you can be a part of a TEAM which allows you to participate when you CAN! As I... More

WedWednesdayAugAugust31st2011 Taking a Break? Reconnect!

Posted Wednesday, August 31 2011 @ 11 AM byBev Campisi Tagged Ideas Motivation 0 comments Add comment

I read an article on the Weight Watcher's website which shared ideas on ways to find motivation to return to an exercise routine after a short hiatus turned into a season on the bench! When you decide it's time to re-connect to church after being "away," it can be emotionally challenging to get and stay motivated just as with an exercise routine. I thought the following ideas to maintain exercise motivation applied easily to retuning to a church connection. See what you think! Give Yourself a... More

WedWednesdayAugAugust24th2011

Who does that anyway?

Posted Wednesday, August 24 2011 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged Opportunities 0 comments Add comment

I'm one of those need-to-know people. Maybe you are too! If so, you might enjoy this. Who takes care of all of those flower beds on our church property? Volunteers of Gardening on the Grounds Who drives members to their doctor's appointments when they aren't able to? Volunteers of Angel Wings Who records our attendance in worship and Sunday school classes, our prayer concerns and our Check Ins? Volunteers in the church office Who takes our donations and organizes and hangs and displays and... More

WedWednesdayAugAugust17th2011 Explore Your Possibilities!

Posted Wednesday, August 17 2011 @ 12 PM byBev Campisi Tagged Opportunities 0 comments Add comment

Our local city recreation centers have mailed out their Fall Course offerings for our considerations. We study on-line menus of restaurants before we go and can now even hover our mouse over an item to see the nutritional breakdown and calorie count to help us plan what we will eat, IF we decide to go and eat there after all! College students and their families have been pouring over the on-line listing for courses and fields of studies to plan their semesters. (When I went to college we had... More

WedWednesdayAugAugust10th2011 Be Nice and Share!

Posted Wednesday, August 10 2011 @ 1 PM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Philemon 1:4-7 says: I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people. It wasn't just our mothers who thought it was important that... More

WedWednesdayAugAugust3rd2011 There is a Time for Everything

Posted Wednesday, August 03 2011 @ 12 PM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." A season is about to change... certainly not by the thermometer, but by knowing Back to School is coming up. It's a big season for many. Not so much for me anymore, as our kids are beyond school years that dominate my thoughts and plans now. But we all sense this time to look with positive expectation at things as they begin again. Our TV shows Season Finales are happening! New and returning... More

WedWednesdayJulJuly27th2011

Great Miracles and Signs of Wonder in a Tech-Driven Age

Posted Wednesday, July 27 2011 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged Opportunities 0 comments Add comment

When I sit down in worship on Sundays and view videos created about our exciting ministries, I just LOVE the stories they tell about Christ being alive through us and to those we touch! When a slide pops up during the sermon at just the moment the preacher is referring to it, I am so impressed! I consider the technological understanding it took to make that happen to be a Modern Day Miracle! I am what many would consider NON-tech-savvy! That's why I don't volunteer in the A/V Booth. But YOU... More

WedWednesdayJulJuly20th2011 Be Like Little Children

Posted Wednesday, July 20 2011 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Oh come on! Really?! I've worked so hard to grow up! I still work at my "spiritual growth," at becoming mature in my understanding. I try so hard! And then I re-read a very familiar passage from Matthew 18:2-4 and am reminded of Jesus' words to his disciples: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes a humble place--becoming like this child--is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever... More

WedWednesdayJulJuly13th2011 Always Something New

Posted Wednesday, July 13 2011 @ 5 PM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

I tend to overuse certain phrases, and one of those is, "There is nothing new under the sun." I find I usually say this when someone is referencing how bad things are in the world. How our society's morals, values, standards, leaders are so fallen. And then I remember studying those Old Testament books of some "pretty bad" people and leaders back then too, and will state, "There's nothing new under the sun." This week I am reminded that there is ALWAYS Something NEW under the sun! Something new... More

WedWednesdayJulJuly6th2011

One Bread, One Body

Posted Wednesday, July 06 2011 @ 3 PM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

One bread, one body, one Lord of all, one cup of blessing which we bless. And we, though many, throughout the earth, we are one body in this one Lord.On Sunday, July 3, I feel we experienced the essence of the lyrics of this hymn of praise. Here at First Grapevine, we have 6 worship services every Sunday morning, unless it is a special holiday when we have ONE combined service, (or as close as we can get now that we have 2 physical campuses and one service held in Spanish)! So if you were here... More

WedWednesdayJunJune29th2011

Be of Good Cheer

Posted Wednesday, June 29 2011 @ 3 PM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

It's a busy week at our church with nighttime and daytime Vacation Bible School going on. We've got volunteers and staff here early to late. But it's not just THIS week. It's MOST weeks. Our church is ONE DYNAMIC PLACE! And we praise God for that! Our VBS kids learned yesterday to "Give Happily to God." We usually do that, don't we? Usually we can be cheerful givers of our money, our time, our talents. And then, let's be honest, sometimes we give not-so-cheerfully! We might feel our need is... More

WedWednesdayJunJune22nd2011 Come Experiment

Posted Wednesday, June 22 2011 @ 3 PM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

So what if you don't know what your "spiritual gift" is? What if you aren't sure you would like the people on that ministry team or what if they don't like you? What if you are not really sure you want to be around kids since you're not even sure you like your own all the time?! Come and see! Come once to something and check it out! No strings attached! One thing is certain in the adventure of serving at church: you NEVER CAN be certain what will happen! Give yourself permission to come and... More

WedWednesdayJunJune15th2011

What Would You Like to Do?

Posted Wednesday, June 15 2011 @ 11 AM byBev Campisi Tagged Ideas Stories 0 comments Add comment

What a GIFT I received Monday in the following email: "My Tuesday morning book study is on break for the summer, but several of the ladies and I want to get together anyway, and be of some help to ministries. Is there something we could do to help tomorrow morning from 9:30 - 11:00 to help your ministry? We could make blankets, casseroles, organize at the Thrift Shop, etc. Let me know what you need. We plan to get together every few weeks, so if you have a need this summer and we could help,... More

WedWednesdayJunJune8th2011

Not for Myself, But for Others

Posted Wednesday, June 08 2011 @ 11 AM byBev Campisi Tagged Stories 0 comments Add comment

Recently I invited a friend to join the team of volunteers who would be helping our neighbors at the Grapevine Housing Authority on Change The World/Spring Into Missions day. Asked what we would be doing, I rattled off the variety of things the residents needed help with: dusting blinds and ceiling fans, organizing cabinets and closets, cleaning windows, pulling weeds, mulching flower beds, etc. She looked stunned and said, "I don't do that at MY own house!" I lovingly said, "That's why it's... More

WedWednesdayJunJune1st2011

Every Piece Contributes to the Whole

Posted Wednesday, June 01 2011 @ 11 AM byBev Campisi Tagged Ideas Weekend Food 0 comments Add comment

Being on the church campus during the week one gets to witness pieces - LOTS of pieces of things that, when joined together, produce not PIECES, but WHOLES. (Not HOLES, but WHOLE, complete "things"!) I might be coming down the tunnel drive and see an empty car parked in the tunnel. I've seen this piece of the puzzle before. Big Tubs of Weekend Food bags are soon to be loaded in the back of this vehicle, then driven off to one of the schools. Schoolchildren will receive food for their families... More

WedWednesdayMayMay25th2011

20 more for just 12 Days!

Posted Wednesday, May 25 2011 @ 11 AM byBev Campisi Tagged KidsTown Opportunities 0 comments Add comment

It's amazing to realize that summer is almost here! I learned in staff meeting yesterday that although the Serve Over Summer bulletin inserts yielded several summer teachers for Children's Sunday School classes, Rev. Nathan and Linda McClure say they still need TWENTY teachers! But the REALLY amazing thing to me is this...Twelve Sundays! Just Twelve Days! That's all Summer is! It will come and go before we know it! AND, if you would choose to teach Bi-Weekly, that's just SIX days! AND, they... More

WedWednesdayMayMay18th2011

Job Description for a Local Mission Volunteer

Posted Wednesday, May 18 2011 @ 11 AM byBev Campisi Tagged Ideas Opportunities 0 comments Add comment

Some were seasoned local day of mission volunteers. Some were first-timers. Over 50 folks gathered for our Change The World local day of missions on Saturday at our Heritage Campus kick off and then "went forth." Projects were planned at sites throughout Grapevine where our members got to help our neighbors in and around their homes and properties. We had pre-schoolers, elementary-age, middle schoolers, high schoolers, college and beyonders. We had singles, couples, and volunteers representing... More

WedWednesdayMayMay11th2011

"That's Way Outta My Box!"

Posted Wednesday, May 11 2011 @ 11 AM byBev Campisi Tagged Ideas Stories 0 comments Add comment

I was remembering and wanted to share part of a conversation I had with Mary Dianne Morley last year. If you don't know her, she teaches Kindermusik classes, has done all "music things" for years... children's choirs, VBS music director. She is a gifted songster who has always, naturally, used her musical gifts and talents in her service to God. What she told me was "I'm not going to sign up to do those things I've always done. I'm going to do something way outta my box next year!" She had been... More

WedWednesdayMayMay4th2011

Walk-Ins Welcome

Posted Wednesday, May 04 2011 @ 11 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

We see signs like this outside of many service-oriented businesses every day. That's to remind us that if we never got around to calling for an appointment, we are being INVITED to just walk in. That's an Open Door policy, an inviting and welcoming thing. That's what we have here at FUMCG when it comes to joining in some ministry team opportunity that is coming up. And sure, it's always helpful to have a number when plans are being made, but we are always happy to welcome everyone! Like on May... More

WedWednesdayAprApril27th2011 Serve Over Summer

Posted Wednesday, April 27 2011 @ 11 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

We’ve gained new understanding during Lent this year as we have read the devotionals of Jesus’ last days spent with his disciples. We have shared in their confusion and their attempt to understand how they are to go forward in their callings without their spiritual teacher. The symbolic Last Supper and hand washing at the Maundy Thursday service and the dark reality shared in visiting the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday gave way to the hope of new life as we celebrated our Risen Lord and... More

WedWednesdayAprApril13th2011 Dream Team Needs

Posted Wednesday, April 13 2011 @ 11 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Instead of talking about a member who is connected by serving, I wanted to share a need. Our church responds more quickly and more earnestly when a NEED is presented than any other group I have experienced. Such an example of the Body of Christ at work! One of our ministries is in need of 3 or 4 new volunteers. Of course, if 25 of you respond, they won’t be sad! Read below what is shown on our church website so you really get the flavor for this incredible ministry! First United Methodist... More

WedWednesdayAprApril6th2011 Volunteer Connection

Posted Wednesday, April 06 2011 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

It is great to witness and share what others are doing as they are connected in service to others! I recently approached a church member (who asked to remain anonymous) and asked her why she was working at the Thrift Shop one morning the week of Change Over.* Her response was that time is valuable and she feels she has been so blessed throughout her life - never having to worry about her next meal, never having serious health issues, believing that “to whom much is given, much is expected” -... More

WedWednesdayMarMarch30th2011 So Many Places to Serve and Plenty of Time!

Posted Wednesday, March 30 2011 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Sometimes we hear of so much need that we might feel we can’t do it all. There isn’t enough time, nor enough resources. But really, we have SO many places in which we can serve, and we have plenty of time! In an email last week to new members who have joined the church in the last year, I invited their attendance to the Serving 101 class being held this coming Sunday (details above). One particular reply made me feel so good for that member. She listed SIX different things she has found to... More

WedWednesdayMarMarch23rd2011 Servanthood

Posted Wednesday, March 23 2011 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Church member Susan Green recalls that when she first came to this church, she would hear about some need - perhaps new team members might be needed for a ministry or a neighbor was in need - and she would think that someone else should do that. It didn’t take her long to realize that God might be calling HER to do that and not someone else. Since that time, Susan has begun a blog and states, “My purpose is to share God's work and answers to prayer.” Click here to enjoy reading Susan's post on... More

WedWednesdayMarMarch16th2011 Sharing Stories

Posted Wednesday, March 16 2011 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

What is it about being involved and serving others? About giving of your time? About investing your heart in other people? About using your own personality and experience in ways that make a difference? If you are currently engaged in some meaningful ministry, you probably have many responses to those questions! It is exciting to be a part of ANYTHING that is making a difference in people's lives, isn’t it? What I love about volunteers is that if they are doing what they WANT to do - what they... More

WedWednesdayMarMarch9th2011 Serving Feels Good

Posted Wednesday, March 09 2011 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

We haven't been feeling very good lately have we? But one thing is certain. DOING something made us feel better. I can't tell you how many phone calls, emails and personal drop-ins each one of us on staff received every day in the last weeks when so many of you shared with us words like, "I just want to DO something. I want to help. What can I do?" Your hearts were nudged. Thank you for responding to that nudge. It was the Holy Spirit, calling you to serve, to pour out acts of service for... More

WedWednesdayFebFebruary16th2011 Get in SHAPE!

Posted Wednesday, February 16 2011 @ 10 AM byBev Campisi Tagged No tags 0 comments Add comment

Rev. Rick Warren of Saddleback Church uses an acronym I like for a volunteer’s SHAPE. No, no, no... not THAT kind of shape! We know we are all shaped differently! That’s one of the things I like best about God’s church made up of God’s people - same organs inside to make our miraculous bodies work, but VERY different outsides! Rick Warren's acronym for a volunteer’s shape is: S piritual Gifts, H eart, A bilities, P ersonality, and E xperiences. SHAPE . We each bring each of these elements with... More

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Volunteer Connection Blog

by At First Methodist Grapevine there is always a place to be connected with others in service to others. The Volunteer Connection blog contains stories about people who are in service and their experiences. You'll also find new and interesting ideas for how you can serve.

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First Methodist Church Grapevine
Downtown Campus 422 Church St. Grapevine, TX 76051 817-481-2559	Heritage Campus 4344 Heritage Ave. Grapevine, TX 76051 817-571-1111