Who is God and what is God's story? What does Jesus have to do with God? What's a Methodist and what does being a Methodist have to do with being a Christian? How do I join my story with God's?

Have you ever asked these questions? Ever wondered where to find the answers?

First Untied Methodist Church Plano is begining a new class on Sunday, August 3 at 9:45am called First Faith. This 6-week relflectiona nd orientation series is designed to answer your questions and help you grow deeper in your faith.

Everone is invited to participate to find answers to your questions and find out more at First Church Plano. For further information contact Mark Lucke, minsiter with adults at mlucke@firstmethodistplano.org

Dave Dunbar was awarded the special Annual Handmade “Pancake” by Ed Nalley, President of United Methodist Men. Dave earned this recognition for being the #1 volunteer out 120 who hosted the 35^th Annual December 1^st Plano Christmas Pancake Feed at the Plano Christmas Parade. Bill Lang was presented a special award for his service as UMM Treasurer.

Special recognition was given to the couple at first United Methodist Church Plano who had been married the longest. Ten couples present were married 50 or more years and the winning couple was John and Lorres Blaze, married for 65 years and counting.

Dinner was provided by Bill Shafer while Katherine Smith and Dale McLain transformed the Gathering Area of the church into a true Sweetheart “spot” for dinner and dancing. Entertainment for the evening was provided by Mark McLain as emcee and BJ McCutcheon as Mr. Peppermint. Love songs from the 70’s and 80’s were performed by the church’s own L.inC. Band who helps to lead worship each Sunday at the 9:45 am Blended Music Worship Service.

Couples danced and enjoyed a special dessert donated from “It’s a Cinch” Chocolatiers who provided two chocolate fondue fountains.

By John Shell, United Methodist Men

Fun and learning combined always ensure the lesson will be retained. Take the "Pie in the Face Bible Trivia" for Mission Possible Boys at First United Methodist Church Plano. Fifth grader, Cameron Craig, was the winner and was granted the honor of giving Minister with Children, Jennifer Tonn, the "Pie in the Face". Cameron will never forget that moment!

How fun is it to give a pie in the face...at church??!!

"Mission Possible Boys" and "Between" for girls meets Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm and are for children who are in the 4th and 5th grade. For more information on these and other children’s activities, contact Jennifer Tonn in the church office at 972-423-4506.

~Liz Applegate, Director of Communication, First United Methodist Church Plano

I've been thinking about the first blog for First United Methodist Church Plano. Honestly, it has made me question if I wanted to be the one to begin.

Should I share the religious aspect of Lent, the time before Easter? Should I share "what Methodists believe?" While wresteling with these thoughts, I kept coming back to the fact that members of the church are as diverse as Plano itself. And that they are "real" people...helping others, involved in the community and open to having others jump in with them.

Case in point, The Plain-O Helpers. Members of Plain-O Helpers are from First United Methodist Church Plano as well as other area churches. They built a wheelchair ramp this month for a woman confined to her mobile home. She will now be able to get down to the street in her electric wheelchair without the need for 2 - 3 men to carry her up and down the steps.

Plain-O Helpers are "Seniors Helping Seniors" and provide assistance to seniors and others in need in the Plano community with minor home and yard repairs at no charge to the recipient.

And let's face it, these guys are always busy. From adding ADA approved bars and fixtures, fixing fences, adding locks, and to delivering Poinsettias at Christmas you will never see any of them sitting still. But there is pure excitement and joy when they talk of their ventures and stories of helping others. I've been invited to tag along and look forward to that day...I just hope I can keep up so I can have a good addition for the blog!

For more information on receiving services from the Plain-O Helpers or in volunteering, contact Bill Downs at wtdowns@waymark.net.

~Liz Applegate, Director of Communication, First UMC Plano