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Feb 17 2017

I’ve always liked Proverbs 11:25, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” I live a blessed life, with my beautiful wife, two healthy children, and two very patient, loyal dogs. In this fast-paced world, where we are encouraged to take care of ourselves at any cost, it’s easy to forget that God blesses those who devote themselves to others. I’m the first person to “forget” this, so I’m thankful to be a part of the FUMCR and Access community. Access has afforded me the opportunity to serve in many different ways and acts as a constant reminder to my family and I that God has blessed us to be able to help others.

Paul & Sarah Snitker, FUMCR members and ACCESS attendees

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Feb 17 2017

What I love about Access is it’s a church within a church. It is a place where we can come as we are, real and raw, open, honest; while being accepting and loving. It’s a place of perspective and hope…a place where we talk about real life issues that impact our life both spiritually and relationally. The Access Community is so welcoming and I feel celebrated when we connect with our fellow faith community. It is having  Access to Real People and Real Community. We love it!

Carl & Shannon Smith, FUMCR members and ACCESS attendees

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Feb 17 2017

I came across Access in a bulletin during a traditional service at First United Methodist Church Richardson.  I attended church services alone, as my husband has another commitment on Sunday mornings.  As much as I enjoyed the morning worship, I was always a little self-conscious about attending alone.  I decided to try Access in the evenings to see what that was like.

I can clearly remember that coming to Access was like coming home!  It was a smaller service, and therefore more intimate, but also allowed me to meet new people and not feel “alone.”  I also LOVED the music!  Since I listen to contemporary Christian music on the radio all the time, I actually knew most of the songs.  It felt like I was singing along with the music just like I do in my car! Worship through singing is something I enjoy tremendously.

From then on I felt very connected in Access, with the welcoming worshipers I sat near, and faces of some people that I recognized from places outside the church.  My dear friend, Shelia, began to attend, too, and it is a very special place to be each Sunday evening for us. Now I have a wonderful time volunteering at Mark Twain Elementary with other Access worshippers too!  We are so valued by the school, and it is always fun to be with the kids – “Serving people in Christ.”

Cori Pratt posing with a student at Mark Twain Elementary while volunteering at their Accelerated Reader Prize Store

Of course, the messages I hear each week are the most important part of the service, and those are why I keep coming back.  Rich and Julie always teach the Bible in original and creative ways that help me to think “outside the box” about my faith.  I grow each week!  And the entire worship leadership team all make me feel very much a part of the worship experience.  I love Access! It has gotten me through some tough times!

Cori Pratt, FUMCR member & ACCESS attendee