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There will be a Church Conference on Wednesday, June 10, at 6:30pm in the sanctuary. Rev. Susan Cox-Johnson, our District Superintendent, will preside over our annual meeting to elect lay leadership for the coming year.
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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.
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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.
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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!
 On both Tuesday and Wednesday evenings this week Learning Ladder Preschool celebrated graduation ceremonies. A total of 88 students graduated from our school and will be going to Kindergarten next year. Their excitement and joy is contagious! On Tuesday evening I had the opportunity to say a few words to the crowd of children along with their family and friends. On Wednesday evening Rev. Karen Taylor was on the program for the same purpose. Of course, this is not our only opportunity to interact with the students and faculty of Learning Ladder. We have that opportunity quite often. It is, however, a unique event when we get to see parents, grandparents and friends all together. You can be sure we invited them to worship with us here.
I always come away from Learning Ladder events with a number of thoughts. Maybe here at the close of the school year is the best time to share some of those. One thought is what an opportunity we have to touch the lives of these children. These first steps in the educational process are so important. And, here at Learning Ladder the children get more than a good start on the adventure of education. The teaching is Christian. They are safe here. They are loved and cared for. Who can say just what the impact of this will be on their lives as they move on from here?
It is always true that I see children I know from church at these events. Many of the students recognize Karen and me. They are always quick to send a special greeting! Standing in front of the group on Tuesday I saw a number of our families in the crowd. It is true, too, that a high percentage of teachers in this program are persons we see every week in worship here at First UMC. The faculty of Learning Ladder does an excellent job for these children and in representing the congregation as well. At moments like graduation I get a sense of how good this program is, and how important it is to the Blue Springs community and to the Church. I am grateful.
I hope you will be interested in coming next Wednesday evening as Rev. Karen and I lead a learning event on Wesleyan Covenant Discipleship. Come to Room 112 at 6:30 p.m. We will be taking a look back at what happened in a Methodist Class Meeting. We will reflect some on why this was so much a part of the Wesleyan Revival. And, we will talk about what happens in a modern day Wesleyan Covenant Group. There were almost 30 people who indicated on the covenant card in January that they would be interested in an event like this. You are invited whether or not you indicated that interest on the card. I hope you will come. It will be educational. And, it may lead to the formation of a Wesleyan Covenant Group here at First UMC.
This is Memorial Day weekend. In worship we will observe a custom you have shared for some time. Just before prayer time you will be invited to come forward, take a flower, place it in the vase, and say the name of some loved one you want to remember. Memory is a gift. Remembering loved ones who have gone before us is meaningful. Also, Rev. Karen will be preaching. We will both lead in worship. I hope to see you in worship. If you travel this weekend, be careful, and come back soon! You are needed!
Sincerely
Steve Campbell |
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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The Hospitality Table needs help on the First Sunday of each month.
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Fall Fun Fest Pie Booth Coordinator.
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Ushers are need at all services as both regular ushers and to use as backups.
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Summer School teahcers (see below).
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Habitat building opportunities this summer.
Contact the office for information about any of these opportunities. |
WESLEYAN COVENANT DISCIPLESHIP
Reminder- On Wednesday evening, May 27, Steve and Karen will lead a learning session on Wesleyan Covenant Discipleship at 6:30pm in room 112. What happened in Methodist Class meetings? What happens now in a Wesleyan Covenant Group? This is an opportunity to learn more about our Wesleyan heritage and, perhaps, to be part of a meaningful spiritual growth event.
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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. |
| BRIDGES
Picnic/potluck supper, Thursday, June 4, 6:00pm behind church office. Bring a lawn chair and dish to share: hamburgers, brats, and drinks will be provided; cost is $2 per person. Sign up and payment is requested by May 31. Call Dee Meek at 373-2580.
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VOLLEYBALL
As final items get checked off the to-do list in the MPR, singles volleyball begins June 2 and the Friday adult volleyball begins June 5.
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. |
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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.
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ADULT MEN NEEDED
FOR HIGH SCHOOL MISSION TRIP
The high school youth mission trip to Amarillo June 13-21, 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. |
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FOOD COORDINATOR NEEDED FOR HIGH SCHOOL MISSION TRIP
The high school youth mission trip to Amarillo June 13-21, 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. | |
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