First United Methodist Church Pastor-gram
Keeping You Informed at First May 15, 2009
In This Issue
Senior Recognition
Stephen Ministry
Hospitality Table
Pick Up Your Envelopes
SUMMER SCHOOL TEACHERS
HILLCREST
Iowa Mission Trip
Adult Volleyball
Connections
High School
Senior Recognition
We would like to celebrate with you and honor your accomplishment by hosting a reception in your honor.
 
Sunday, May 17, 10:45am worship
followed by reception in the narthex.
Stephen Ministry

In this time of economic uncertainty, many of us are in turmoil, upset, unsure of what to do and feeling that we have talked until we can't talk to our family and friends anymore.  There is another person that you can turn to for encouragement and prayer during this time.  That person is a Stephen Minister trained to listen, encourage without judgment, to just "be there" for you.  Can we help you by sharing God's love with you in this ministry?  Please give this opportunity some thought.  Contact one of the Stephen Leaders to learn more about this support system by calling the church office or one of us personally.  Rev. Karen Taylor, Debbie Danner, Janice Patillo or Jo Perrin.be recognized by a sign on the hospitality table.
SPONSOR THE HOSPITALITY TABLE

Celebrate your anniversary, the birth of a child, any significant happening in your life, or just say thanks by sponsoring the Sunday morning hospitality table refreshments.  For a small donation of $70 you will cover the cost of our donuts.  Donations given by others that morning will go to support various church ministries.  Your sponsorship will be recognized by a sign on the hospitality table.  Call the office, 229-8108, for more information or to get the remaining spots.
OFFERING ENVELOPES

There are 148 packets of envelopes that have not been picked up yet.  If you have been receiving offering envelopes in the mail, your next set of envelopes is available to pick up in the narthex.  You may use the envelopes either weekly or monthly, as best meets your needs.  When you get to your last, or second to last, envelope, you MUST call the office and request more.  Your help picking up your envelopes  will help the church save money.
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Greetings! 
 
The Administrative Board met last Monday evening. One of the items on the agenda was a discussion of the Flu. A couple of weeks ago fears were high and no one really knew just where the situation was heading. Granted, right now things seem to have calmed down a lot. However, we decided to leave this discussion on the agenda. The real question is, of course, how we would respond in the event of a serious public health concern. Would we ignore it and go on as usual, or would we encourage members to simply use their own judgment? There are a variety of ways we could respond. After some discussion the Administrative Board decided to make it our policy to follow what ever guidance or instruction is issued by County and City Health officials. This seems like a good way to be cautious but also avoid panic. So, the Swine Flu is probably not going to be the outbreak which causes us to implement this policy. But, we will be prepared if and when the time comes.
 
            This weekend some special and very meaningful things will happen in our worship services. Saturday evening we will be celebrating the Commissioning of new Stephen Ministers. Stephen Ministry is a great ministry and I am grateful for everyone who has felt called to offer their service in this way. The new Stephen Ministers are: Connie Feaster, Jamie High, Ken Wilcox, Tim Puyear, Martha Fails, and Rhonda Brewer. These persons will be in our prayers as they carry out this ministry.
 
            On Sunday at the 10:45 Worship Service we will award Scholarships. This is a great ministry supported by the congregation and some of the groups in the church. Both the Independents and the United Methodist Men award scholarships.  Congratulations to the students receiving scholarships.  Also at the 10:45 Worship Service we will be recognizing the graduates of 2009. If you are graduating please join us and let us celebrate your accomplishment with you!

            I hope you will be in one of our four worship gatherings this weekend. God calls us to be faithful in gathering, and will be faithful to nurture our spirits as we come together.
 
            Sincerely,
 
            Steve Campbell
AROUND THE CHURCH
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES 
  • The Hospitality Table needs help on the First Sunday of each month.
  • Fall Fun Fest Pie Booth Coordinator.
  • Ushers are need at all services as both regular users and to use as backups.
  • Summer School teahcers (see below).
  • Habitat building opportunites this summer. 

Contact the office for information about any of these opportunities. 

SUMMER SCHOOL TEACHERS WANTED
 
Summer session for Children's and Youth Sunday School begins May 31.  Helping just a couple of times this summer goes a long way toward providing priceless teaching opportunities.  All curriculum and supplies are provided, but we need you to complete the program.  Please contact Michelle Mueller, 229-8108, to help with children or Diana Griffiths, 229-0340, to lead the youth.
HILLCREST WALK FOR THE HOMELESS SATURDAY
Hillcrest Walk for the Homeless is an annual spring event that raises awareness and funds to support Hillcrest in its mission to transition homeless families to self-sufficiency.  Participating in the Saturday morning, May 16, Walk for the Homeless is an excellent way to show your support for Hillcrest and the families served.  Getting pledges is encouraged, but if that is not your thing, your participation is still very much desired.  Although we are not officially forming a team, Jane Rosendahl has volunteered to organize carpooling from the church to the walk starting location near Independence Square.  Contact her at 224-5660. Go online to register at this link, click on Walk for the Homeless, then Eastern Jackson County Walk.  If you have any questions about the walk itself, call Hillcrest at 461-0468.
 

Return to Iowa Mission Trip
- July 22-26, 2009
We will be returning to the Cedar Rapids, Iowa area to help with flood repairs.  Senior high (entering 9th grade fall of 2009 or older), college age, and adults are welcome to join us!  Cost will be $50.
We will have an information meeting on May 17 at 4:30 in room 103.  Please call Jan Harris (224-2904) or Linda Kaufman (228-5209) with questions.

VOLLEYBALL
Now that the multipurpose room is available, please join the adult volleyball opportunities.
On Tuesday evenings at 7:00pm the Independents Single Adult ministry is hosting a weekly session for singles.
On Friday evenings at 7:00pm all adults are invited to join in the fun.  
We have two courts so there should be little waiting.
Join "Connections" 

If you would like to explore a deeper connection with God within a small group community, Connections invites you to join us on Sundays at 10:40am in Room 100.  Connections is a group for adults who are interested in developing meaningful relationships with God and each other.  If you would like more information, please contact Stephanie Marker at 220-9094 or stephaniecmarker@yahoo.com.

ADULT MEN NEEDED
FOR HIGH SCHOOL MISSION TRIP
The high school youth mission trip to Amarillo this summer is looking for adult men to go along as leaders.  You don't even have to have a youth on the trip!  You must be at least 25 years old, a member of our church, and be Safe Sanctuary trained. For more information contact Jack Marker, 229-9510.
FOOD COORDINATOR NEEDED FOR HIGH SCHOOL MISSION TRIP
The high school youth mission trip to Amarillo this summer is in need of a food coordinator.  The food coordinator will work with Jack Marker, the Mission Trips Coordinator, to plan menus, buy the food and prepare the meals at the mission site.  Contact Jack Marker, 229-9510, for more information.