July 2, 2009

First UMC Pastorgram
Greetings!

      
There are several things to share with you in this week's PastorGram. You will receive this on July 2.  Our term for elected officials is changing as of July1. A word of thanks is in order for those persons who rotated off of some of our Boards and Committees. I hope you feel good about your contribution. I also hope you will enjoy a break from that part of your commitment to the church. Better yet, I hope you will simply redirect that same energy to a new area of service! To those of you who are continuing in the same position, please know you are appreciated! One part of your contribution is the continuity you offer. There are always changes in leadership over time. It is not just inevitable, it is also beneficial. But the continuity you offer is essential! We are all grateful for those of you who are beginning a new task. God bless you in your time of service. May you find joy in your efforts and see results from your leadership! One thing really impressed me in the nominating process this year. It was the number of persons who not only consented to serve, but who expressed appreciation for being asked!  I know good things are in store for us in the next year.
 
            Rev. Karen and her family are back from their vacation. We are grateful for their safe trip and the time they had to be together. I look forward to having both of us lead in worship this weekend.
 
            I need not remind you it is the 4th of July weekend. I know that means many of you will be away. But there will also be many of us here together for worship! We will give thanks for our freedoms as we celebrate the occasion. If you are traveling, be careful, say a prayer for us, and we will say one for you. If you are in town this weekend, make being at FUMC a priority!
 
            It is the first full weekend in July so we will celebrate Holy Communion in all four services. The Communion Offering will be divided between two important and traditional United Methodist causes. One of those is Golden Cross. One thing Golden Cross does is provide scholarship assistance to United Methodist students pursuing a career in health care. I have known a number of students who have received assistance from these scholarships. The other is Rural Life Sunday. The Annual Conference uses the funds received to strengthen the nurture, outreach and witness of congregations in small towns and rural areas of the state. Both these are worthy of a gift. But perhaps the most meaningful part of this is responding to Christ's invitation with an act of thanks and generosity.
            Grace and Peace to You,
 
            Steve
VIM Opportunity for FRIDAY!!!!!!!
 
 From Rev. Bill Kenagy, Heartland South VIM Coordinator
 
Help is needed to glean 3 acres of zucchini squash in Rich Hill, Mo on Friday July 3rd. Food that is harvested can go back to local pantries or communities for distribution. Teams small and large are needed. Call Bill at (660) 464-0251 or email at billkenagy@gmail.com for instructions.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 
 
July 27 - July 31, 2009
TIME: 9:30am
- 12:30pm
AGES 4 - GRADE 4
 
Registration forms and information can be picked up at the education office or the church web site.
 
There are many items needed for this important ministry.  Please visit the kiosk in the narthex or in the education wing to learn about items and supplies that we need you to purchase or to let us borrow for that week.
Communion Offering This Weekend 
Communion Offering
for Rural Life/Golden Cross Sunday
The Golden Cross Program supports health ministries in the United Methodist Church. Funds are raised from offerings gathered on an annual Golden Cross Sunday in United Methodist congregations.  The Golden Cross program began early in the history of Methodism in America, primarily to support church-related hospitals and long-term health care facilities. The Evangelical United Brethren Church also collected offerings to support its health-care institutions. When the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged in 1968, the Golden Cross Sunday offering was continued as a way to support the new denomination's health-care ministries.
 
Rural Life Sunday is a time for Methodists to gather together to celebrate and recognize the ministry of rural congregations, many of which are without significant financial resources yet still harness the enthusiasm, gifts and talents of their people to do good work within their communities and with other churches. This special day also encourages rural, suburban and urban churches to get to know one another, exchange stories about their encounters with God, and realize how much they share in common.
Independents Single Adult Ministry
 

SOCK HOP

SATURDAY, JULY 18

8:00pm - MIDNIGHT

In the MPR

Admission: $10 per person

Light snacks and drinks (nonalcoholic) will be provided.

We are collecting new socks for the needy.

Please place your donation in the collection bin at the door.

MUSIC PROVIDED BY

DJ - BOBBY EDDY

Job Workshop
The unemployment rate in the metro Kansas City area is now more than 7% and it's not only entry-level positions being eliminated.   Here is an opportunity to learn what you need to do in this slowing economy.
 
Who: Executives, Professionals, Students, Recent Graduates. Anyone who is interested in a methodology to help them find hidden employment opportunities during a tough job market.

What: A one-hour presentation on what specific actions you can take to find a new job opportunity.

When: Wednesday, July 22, at 6:30pm

Where: First United Methodist Church-Room 117
 
Why: The resources available for job seekers on "How to Write a Resume" or "How to Answer Interview Questions" are endless.  However, this material typically fails to touch on the most critical component for anyone who is looking for a new job:  GETTING THE INTERVIEW.  Our unique presentation will provide you with proven tools and insights you can put into use immediately to start creating interview opportunities.

About the Presenter...
Zach Carruthers is a Vice President and Partner at Kansas City-based search firm, Christopher & Long/HCap Search.  In addition to leading many of the business development initiatives, Zach has completed searches for key executives in a broad range of industries with a special focus in technology, banking/financial services and insurance.
Contact Info
First United Methodist Church
301 SW Woods Chapel Rd
Blue Springs, MO 64015
www.firstumcbs.org
816-229-8108
In This Issue
VIM Opportunity
Vacation Bible School
Communion Offering
Sock Hop
Job WOrkshop