Posts from August 2026
Better Than Our Fair Share
What does it mean to be fair? We live in a world where fairness matters. We compare, we measure, and we keep track of who worked the longest, contributed the most, or deserves the greatest reward. And yet, Jesus’ parable of the workers in the vineyard challenges our deeply held ideas about what is fair—and invites us to consider something far better.
Facilities Staff Updates
As the fall season approaches, FUMC Allen is celebrating several transitions within the facilities team—honoring team members as they begin new chapters and welcoming a new member to the team. Congratulations to Jalen Doughty, who is stepping into a full-time position in the education system at a charter school in Richardson. Jalen will continue serving at FUMC Allen on weekends and assisting with Playday cleaning in the evenings. Her continued commitment to the church is deeply appreciated. Ryan Rodriguez, who…
Celebrating Rev. Ed Whipple!
On Tuesday, August 18, the Charge Conference met at FUMC Allen to finalize the official appointment of Rev. Ed Whipple to our clergy staff as an Associate Pastor, effective on September 1, 2026. Over the past several years, Ed has faithfully completed the course of study and licensing requirements necessary to receive the designation of Licensed Local Pastor. We are delighted that he will be continuing his ministry with us here at FUMC Allen, and we look forward to all…
Valley of the Dry Bones
Valley of the Dry BonesEzekiel 37:1-14Sunday August 30 20268:30am & 11:00amspecial Guest Preacher: Rev Karyl Patredis What happens when hope feels gone and the places that once seemed full of life have become dry and empty? In Ezekiel’s powerful vision of the valley of dry bones, God meets the prophet in a place that appears completely hopeless and asks, “Can these bones live?” In this sermon, our special guest Rev Karyl Patredis explores God’s promise to restore and renew through…
A New School Year Begins at Children’s Creative Playday
There’s something special about August at Children’s Creative Playday Preschool. The classrooms begin to come alive, familiar faces return, new friendships are waiting to begin, and there is a wonderful sense of anticipation in the air. After a summer of rest and preparation, we at FUMC Allen are so excited to welcome our preschool family back for another year of learning, growing, playing, and discovering together! Our 2026–2027 school year officially begins with our dedicated team of 30 staff members…
Jesus’ Mustard Seed Movement
Jesus’ Mustard Seed MovementMark 4:30-33Sunday August 16 20268:30am & 11:00amRev Tom Palmer, preaching Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.” With many similar parables Jesus…