FIRST NEWS

News for First United Methodist Church of Jefferson City

Two Reasons to Celebrate in February!

February 1st, 2012

Dear Friends,

This month I wish our newsletter could have two covers! God has blessed our congregation with two amazing reasons to celebrate in February, and they both deserve the spotlight.

Community Building Grand Opening! Over the last many months, Pastor Chris—along with Dave Harris, Pastor Mark, and a team of other volunteers—have worked tirelessly to transform the property at 1015 East Atchison into our brand new Common Ground Community Building. The results are nothing short of amazing. Please help join the celebration at the ribbon cutting at 1:00 p.m. at the Community Building on Thursday, February 2, and then at all worship services back at the church (just like normal) on the weekend of February 11-12. Please come and give thanks for the many ways that our neighbors will experience the love of God through the ministries of this Community Building.

We Are Growing! Jerry Kelly has crunched the numbers, and our church’s average worship attendance grew by 3% in 2011! With the 2011 attendance figures in the book, First United Methodist Church has now been blessed with four years in a row without any decline in worship attendance (we’ve grown over that period instead!): the last time that happened was over 30 years ago! Praise God for such a wonderful blessing.

What do both of these reasons to celebrate have in common? They are both signs that God is at work and the Spirit of Jesus Christ is alive in you, the amazing saints of First United Methodist Church. I’m so proud to be a member of our family of faith; please know without a doubt that God is making a difference for Christ through you.

In Christ,
Daniel

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MEL is Hosting February’s Community Dinner!

February 1st, 2012

The next neighborhood dinner is scheduled for Thursday, February 23, in the Christian Life Center. This is a great time to show our gift of hospitality and to meet those who live and work around our church. This meal is free and open to the public. All we ask is that you join a table and visit with our guests.

Looking forward to seeing you on the 23rd.

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Worship – It is what we are made for!

February 1st, 2012

One of the bigger questions that philosophical people and writers ask is, what are we here for? There is the microscopic view that we are created with certain gifts and abilities and so we are here to put those to use in the world. Or that we are here to care for the earth, or to be fruitful and multiply. All of these are true, but there is also the macroscopic view that reveals we here to worship God. There are lyrics to a song that says :
He has filled our hearts with wonder,
So that we always remember.
You and I were made to worship,
You and I are called to love,
You and I are forgiven and free,
You and I embrace surrender, You and I choose to believe,
You and I will see who we were meant to be.
(Made to Worship, Chris Tomlin)

The ultimate purpose that we are alive, to worship God with all that we are and all that we have! “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9). We were called for the purpose of praising God, worshiping God. That is one of the job descriptions of a Christian. We should declare that God is worthy, worth more than everything else put together.

In Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline, he offers these steps into worship.
1. Learn to practice the presence of God daily,
2. Have different experiences of worship, (small group, large group, places, traditions.)
3. Prepare heart, mind and soul for worship.
4. Have a willingness to be gathered in the power of Christ. Let go of any personal agendas, concerns and prepare to hear the word of God.
5. Cultivate a holy dependency, look forward to God acting, teaching, speaking in the midst of worship.
6. Absorb distractions with gratitude rather than disgust. Give thanks for the noises – they are signs of life!
7. Go to worship even if you don’t feel like it, learn to offer a sacrifice of worship.

So with all this information, will you come and grow in your worship? Will you come and be formed by the very Spirit of God? It is what we are made to do!

“With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I offer my firstborn child?… He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:6-8).

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Valentine’s Party

February 1st, 2012


This year we are going to start some exciting and fun monthly children and family activities.

The first activity will be a Valentine’s Day Party for the kids!

On February 8, from 6 to 7:30 PM, in Rm 360, we will have pizza and crafts.

Here is a sneak peek at some of the upcoming activities for 2012:

March: St. Patrick’s Day (kids activity)
April: Easter Egg Hunt (family activity) and a craft night (kids activity)
May: Family Picnic and Kickball game (family activity)
August: Hoedown (family activity)
September: Hay Ride (family activity)
October: Halloween event (family activity)
November: Service Project – Be Thankful (kids activity)
December: St. Nick’s Night (kids activity)

Please remember to RSVP for the monthly events at www.jcfumc.org

We look forward to seeing you there!
Beckie Gierer & Heather Warbritton

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Summer Interns

February 1st, 2012

Last year I was blessed in being chosen as the summer intern for the youth group. That experience solidified my decision to do ministry full-time. Working alongside with Chris [Abel] was a dream come true. I was given a lot of responsibilities in planning, leading and worshiping with the youth. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance of the staff here at JCFUMC!

Well it’s that time again, and we’ll be taking intern applications soon! If you or someone you know is interested, please make sure to keep your eyes on jcfumc.org & firstunitedyouth.com for updates. We begin taking applications on March 1, and will make a decision by the end of the month. We’re looking to fill two positions: Children and youth interns. Candidates should have experience working in church or volunteer settings, and have an active desire to, well, serve God. Preference will go to those 21 and older, and those looking to explore ministry as career. Prepare yourself, these applications may be unusual!
- CHAD ROGERS

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30 hour Famine

February 1st, 2012

by Chad Rogers & Jenn Sovanski

Our youth group is doing World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine. We don’t think it’s right that thousands of kids are dying from hunger every day. So we’re doing something about it.

Romans 12:21
The Message
20-21 Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.

We’re going without food for 30 hours to raise money so others can eat. Here’s how you can help:

1. Pray. Ask God to bless our students as they overcome hunger.
2. Volunteer. Come join us during our Famine Weekend.
- Fri. 3 pm to 10 pm
- Fri. 10 pm to Sat. 5 am
- Sat. 5 am to 12 noon
- Sat. 12 noon to 7 pm
3. Give. Just $30 can help feed and care for a child for a month.

Donate on our group webpage at http://www.firstunitedyouth.com or give us a check made out to World Vision. Every donation is tax-deductible!

Our Famine dates: February 24-25
Our goal: To raise $1,700 to help feed and care for hungry kids.
Contact: Call 573-635-6886 x216 or email crogers@jcfumc.org

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Chili Day

February 1st, 2012

Monday, February 27 in Christian Life Center

Chili or Soup with Sandwiches
Freshly Made Desserts

Lunch: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Dinner: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
$6.00 Adults & $3.00 Children 12 & under

Carry Outs available
Desserts needed! Please bring to church on Sunday, February 26
or back alley on Chili Day.

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February Highlights for UMW

February 1st, 2012

The unit meeting will be Wednesday, February 1, at 10 a.m. in Room 107. Ruth Circle will be hosting and the theme of the meeting is “Walk with Wholeness in Memory.” The program will include the “Church Eternal Service” and “A Call to Prayer and Self Denial.”

Please bring an item for the Church World Service Kits to the meeting. This month can be an item of your choice, anything for a Health Kit, School Kit, or Baby Kit listed in the yearbook.

February 27th is Chili Day and UMW Bazaar. Please think about donating items for the Bazaar. It’s exciting to see all the creative ways members serve– making crafts, sewing, knitting, crocheting, baking, growing plants, ceramics, woodworking…This is a way to share your gift or talent and also contribute to mission projects.

Upcoming Events to Put on Calendar:
Feb. 1: Unit Meeting
Feb. 27th: Chili Day and Bazaar
March 2: Church Women United World Day of Prayer, 1:30 p.m.
March 6-7: Legislative Event
March 11: UMW Recognition Sunday

Circle Meetings for February:
Naomi: Feb. 8, 12:30 p.m. Bingham’s Restaurant at Truman Inn
Rachel: Feb. 19, 7:00 p.m. Parlor
Ruth: Feb. 14, 10:00 a.m. Parlor
Lunch Bunch: Feb. 8, Noon, Rm 107
Quilters: Every Tuesday, Rm 357, 9-3
Laughing is Good: Feb. 15, Frenchie’s Restaurant, 11:30 a.m.

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MEL – A Note from the President

February 1st, 2012


Wow 2012 is in full swing! Last night, I went to my bibles, and in between the Children’s Bible and my conformation bible, “Good News,” was my Nana’s (Neville Hunter) purple Methodist Hymnal. I picked up the hymnal and started to turn the pages reading the titles. The smell from the pages reminded me of Nana. It smelled just like her. Isn’t that amazing how smells can trigger memories from years ago? As I was turning the pages I stopped on page 149 “I Love to Tell the Story”. This was one of Nana’s favorite hymns. I know this because Nana believed a good Methodist not only knew their bible but knew their hymnal just as well.

February 3rd is open enrollment for Methodist Early Learning “MEL”. What does this mean? Those children currently enrolled and church members have an opportunity to enroll their children/grandchildren for the 2012 – 2013 school year.

First United Methodist Church has an outstanding program, that is a story that has been told for generations. This month’s article is here to make you aware of the pre-school and the offerings of Jesus and his stories. With all the programs that the church has to offer, none has outlasted MEL.

Celebrate your opportunity to spread the word and “love to tell the story” of MEL! What an offering we have to give to our church family and community. Applications for all pre-school programs can be found at: http://jcfumc.org/mel/

Julie A Rademann
President
MEL Board

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IT IS FINISHED!!

February 1st, 2012

By the time you are reading this article, the construction of the Community Center will be complete! What a journey it has been! Remember the building that we all pretty much shook our heads at and said “no way”? Over the last 8 months there have been many a day when we have questioned what on earth we had gotten ourselves into. BUT there were more days that we knew God had a vision we were pursuing. Now it is time to begin to live into that vision in this beautifully rehabilitated, reconstructed building. Dave Harris is to be praised, and commended and lifted high for his unending energy and vision – without him we would not have the facilities we have to be in ministry to the community.Thank you Dave!

We will fully celebrate the Community Center in our worship services on February 12 and then invite all of the FUMC family to come to an open house from Noon – 2:00 p.m.

 

We are currently seeking a Benevolence Office Coordinator. This is a 15 – 20 hr/wk position that will coordinate the assistance given to those who are in need in our community. Position includes giving assistance, understanding the needs in the community, accounting and communication of funds given from all partner churches and eventual coordination of volunteers. If you are interested please contact Dustin Warbritton or Chris Dumas.

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“Relax, Reflect, Recharge”

February 1st, 2012

March 2, 3, 4 at Windermere Retreat Center on the Lake of the Ozarks.

One of the tasks of our spiritual journey is to find how OUR story fits into THE story of our faith. But we don’t have story without others who have walked with us, or influenced us, or given us directions along the way. Part of our focus this weekend will be in finding our common strengths, and common stories and maybe even our common goals.

Arrive Friday evening anytime after 5:00 p.m., a light meal will be waiting for you! We will check in with one another and share our journeys and what we are looking forward to from the weekend.

Saturday is YOUR time – sleep, bring a creative thing, read, shop…

Saturday afternoon some folks will begin to gather back together and there may be a creative project to work on, and a time for personal devotion.

Saturday evening is group devotion and gathering and worship followed by group fun.

Sunday morning worship and then check out and head for home!

Registration Deadline: February 24. Cost: $50
Sign up online at: http://www.jcfumc.org

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FIRST NEWS

News for First United Methodist Church of Jefferson City