[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 133 (Monday, September 10, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1856]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING CHRIST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH UPON ITS 50TH-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KENNY MARCHANT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 10, 2007

  Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Christ United 
Methodist Church on its 50th Anniversary for providing a place to 
worship, learn, assist those in need and gather in Christ's name.
  On January 7, 2007 a JUBILEE Worship Service was conducted on the 
50th anniversary of the establishment of Christ United Methodist Church 
of Farmers Branch, Texas. The service was attended and conducted by 
twenty Charter Members, 500 congregants, a United Methodist Bishop, and 
eight robed ministers, gratefully celebrating the anniversary.
  The City of Farmers Branch is the oldest settlement in north Dallas 
County, but in 1956 it was rapidly expanding with new construction of 
homes. The desire for a new Methodist church in the area prompted a 
small group of Christians to petition the United Methodist Bishop 
William C. Martin for the extension of the church. Upon approval by the 
Bishop, the Reverend Bourdon Smith was appointed church pastor. The 
first worship service was held at Valwood Elementary School on January 
6, 1957. The name Christ United Methodist Church was voted upon, and 44 
members united with the church. Charter membership closed on Easter, 
1957 with 135 members registered.
  Groundbreaking ceremonies for the first phase of future church 
facilities were held in January, 1959 with 300 members in joyful 
attendance. Over the years a uniquely oval shaped sanctuary was 
constructed, accommodating 500 people for praise and worship. The 
current campus contains 51,000 sq ft of education and office space, a 
gym, and a commercial kitchen--all of it used on a weekly basis.
  Dr. Victor Casad, Senior Pastor and Rev. Bob Spencer continue the 
message of those who served before them, and that is to live the 
mission statement, ``To Share the love of Christ''. Christ UMC provides 
ESL classes to the community, and financial aid to foreign missions. 
Child Development and Mother's Day Out programs provide a Christian 
learning experience. Three distinctively different worship services 
each Sunday morning welcome members and visitors. All ages are offered 
a variety of Sunday school classes and study groups each Sunday, and 
Bible Study groups throughout the week. Youth and Adult work teams 
tackle local assistance services, and travel far and wide to assist the 
Appalachia Service Project to make homes warmer, dryer, and safer. 
Men's Work Teams aid people impacted by disasters in Texas.
  Those early dreams of Bishop Martin and the Charter Members have been 
met; however, the goal of today's 1455 members is equally as forward-
reaching as theirs were. As the trumpets blasted to proclaim the year 
of JUBILEE at Christ United Methodist Church in January, the sanctuary 
was filled to capacity, and the spirit and energy was contagious. It 
was a day of genuine joy and appreciation for what has been 
accomplished and what lies ahead for each member of Christ United 
Methodist Church in Farmers Branch, Texas.
  In honor of this special anniversary, Christ UMC is culminating its 
celebration with weekend events beginning on October 13, 2007. There 
will be a pancake dinner on Saturday and a parade begins the Sunday 
celebration. Following a special church service where former CUMC 
ministers and Charter Members will also be present, an all-church 
barbeque dinner will be enjoyed. An afternoon concert in the sanctuary 
will close the activities.
  I am privileged to have had this time to honor the 50th Anniversary 
of Christ United Methodist Church of Farmers Branch, Texas.

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