Community Site

March 2008 First News First Newsletter

40 DOC UPCOMING EVENTS

More details to come 

SUNDAY WORSHIP

Our weekly Sunday services will focus on and enhance the content of the weekly book readings through Scripture, music and the pastor’s sermon. This sermon series will begin on Sunday, March 30.
 

MISSION OPPORTUNITIES 

An additional focus of the 40 Days of Community campaign will be to discover how missions (SERVING AND REACHING OUT) are an important element in our Christian life.  Small groups will be encouraged to join together in a mission outreach during the 40 Days of Community.

MISSION FAIR

A Ministry & Mission Fair will be held on Sunday morning, April 6th from 9:15 am until 1:00 pm in the church Multipurpose Room.  Plan to stop by and see for yourself how First Church reflects the light of God to our community and to the world.  You will also have the opportunity to “find the intersection of God’s will and your gifts” at this celebration of our service to God!  If you have any questions, please contact Tina Eaton @ 766-4611 or wecare@fumchurch.com.

ALL CHURCH SPECIAL MISSION APPEAL:

“GIVING” LIFE TO HOLY GROUNDS

First Church will participate in an All Church Mission during 40 Days of Community.  If you, or someone you know, have ever enjoyed time at any of our conference campgrounds, then the “Giving” Life to Holy Grounds mission will be of great interest to you.  This will be an exciting opportunity to SERVE and REACH OUT.  Watch for more details.

CELEBRATION SUNDAY, MAY 18

On Sunday, May 18, we will celebrate our 40 Days of Community during our worship services. The Sunday School hour will include an optional time for personal and group sharing of the 40 Days of Community experience.

40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY SMALL GROUPS

Sign up by Sunday March 9th

If you haven’t had the opportunity to sign up for a small group, now is the time.  Each small group will meet once a week for a six week period.  These “better together” sessions will become a very important part of your 40 Days of Community experience as you read and discuss daily devotions from the book, Better Together, written by Pastor Rick Warren.

Hosted by FUM church members there are a variety of small group options that are offered at various days and times throughout the week.  There are also several Sunday morning opportunities to meet with others and share in discussion.  These Sunday morning groups will meet at different times and locations. Sign up sheets for all small group involvement are located on the 40 Days of Community display table in the Narthex.  Each sign up sheet identifies the small group’s host/facilitator, along with the meeting day and time.  Hurry — sign up today!

The book, Better Together, will be distributed to small group members through the group host

prior to the first small group meeting.  A $10 donation for each book is suggested.  The first week’s devotions should be read prior to the first small group meeting the week of March 30.   

Within the small group you will have the opportunity to FELLOWSHIP within the group as well as GROW spiritually within yourself.  Additionally you will SERVE and REACH OUT to the surrounding community through a mission opportunity. 

40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY KICKOFF CELEBRATION

March 29th 5:00-7:30pm

The 40 Days of Community campaign will officially begin with a championship Kickoff Celebration on Saturday, March 29^th from 5:00 - 7:30 pm.  The fun will start in the Multipurpose Room at First Church with a pot-luck supper and entertainment. We will then move to the Sanctuary for an important Kick-off message.  There will be a special program for the children after supper. Babysitting will be available for younger children.

Plan now to attend and bring 2 pot-luck food items to share.  RESERVATIONS ARE NECESSARY.  Make your reservation today by: (1) adding your name to the Kickoff signup sheet located on the 40 Days of Community display table in the Narthex;  or (2) emailing Allison Ometz @ ometz@msn.com.  Be sure to include the number of people attending (including children) and any need for babysitting.

40 DAYS OF COMMUNITY 

The 40 Days of Community campaign is gearing up for kickoff on March 29^th.  The Planning Team has been busy organizing and preparing for this exciting 6 week campaign.  Small groups and Sunday Worship Services will provide opportunities for us to Fellowship, Grow, and Worship in love with our First Church family.  Mission opportunities will allow us to Serve and Reach Out in love to God’s family.  Community friends and neighbors are invited to join our First Church family in this campaign.  Now is the time for you to get involved and keep the unity in our First Church Community. Together, as the body of Christ, we will be BETTER TOGETHER.

40 Days Magnet Logo

Since I have come on board as one of the pastors at FUMC, I will occasionally be asked, “Is Juniper Tree still functioning?” The answer is a resounding YES! Janet Hensel and Shawn Gearty and I all continue to see clients. Janet is with the center full time, while Shawn and I function on a part time basis. Our client load operates at a pretty full level. We are very blessed as a counseling center to be housed at FUMC, and we are glad to be able to offer counseling services at Juniper Tree. So, if you have counseling needs or have a friend who might want to come by for counseling, please feel free to contact us. Enjoy the last of these winter months….stay warm, well, and in life giving relationships! Blessings, Lucretia