A Weekly Newsletter of The First United Methodist Church
Thursday, March 30
Sunday Worship
Message: Rev. Dr. Mark A. Fowler
Text: Ephesians 5:8-14
Music: Chancel Choir
 
Worship: 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m., Sanctuary
Coffee Fellowship: 8:30-10:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall
Extending the Table
Racial Equity in Methodism
Sunday, April 2, 
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Fellowship Hall 

Rev. Carla Mitchell, pastor in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Milwaukee will join us for lunch and to team teach with Rev. Dr. Fowler on   the topic of race in the birth of American Methodism. The AME Church was founded by Bishop Richard Allen and will be the focus of the discussion on April 2. This is part of the Education portion of our initiative toward Racial Equity in Madison and the church. 
Freewill Offering
Lenten Bible Study and Supper
Wednesday, April 5
Supper at 5:45 p.m., 
Fellowship Hall
Scripture Study at 6:30-7:30 p.m.
The New Heaven & The New Earth (Book of Revelation)

Come together for this final Lenten season Wednesday gathering for fellowship and a simple supper (freewill offering). Following the meal, Pastor Mark will lead a study of Scripture.
Invitation to Full Response

First Church is growing and in response, we are expanding opportunities for engagement for all ages on Sunday mornings starting April 30.
 
The morning begins with 9 a.m. worship. At 10:15 a.m. adults, children and youth will be able attend classes and other educational and spiritual formation gatherings. (A list of class offerings will be available at the Information Desk on Sunday.) The second worship service begins at 11:15 a.m. and includes a time for Children's Church on the lower level during the Pastor's message. Childcare and refreshments will be available all morning.
Hope Does Not Disappoint

Rev. Mark Fowler explains how the new Sunday morning schedule will offer new opportunities for personal growth and expansion of First Church's calling in our community. A summary of the sermon will be available at the Information Desk on Sunday.
Wesleyan Heritage in England: Travel and Learn Together

Rev. Dr. Mark Fowler will be the primary teacher on a pilgrimage to England this summer, July 13-20. Pick up an itinerary and registration form at the Information Desk in the Narthex or request them from Rev. Tina Lang at 608-467-5108 or [email protected]. Number of participants is limited and deadline for registration is April 13 so if you're interested, don't delay.
Rise Up! Holy Week 

Palm Sunday Celebration, April 9
Worship Service: 9 a.m.
Palm & Donkey Processional Parade: 10 a.m.
Around the Capitol Square
Worship Service: 10:30 a.m.
Remembering Christ's Passion: A Chancel Drama

Maundy Thursday, April 13
Communion Worship Service: 6:30 p.m.

Good Friday, April 14
Drop-in Worship Service: Noon-3 p.m.
(20-minute segments)  View Worship Outline > 

Easter Sunday, April 16
Worship Services: 9 & 10:30 a.m.
Free Community Easter Meal: Noon-2 p.m.
All Welcome
Parents' Night Out
Sunday, April 2, 4-7 p.m., FUMC

Plan a night out for yourself and leave your child(ren) in the care of First Church adults and youth. The kids will have fun being fed and entertained and you can have some time off. We could still use some more people to help provide a fun and safe environment for the children. If you are interested contact Seth Schroerlucke at  [email protected] or 608-338-0158.
Meet Israeli Exchange Student
Sunday, April 9, 
11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m., Fellowship Hall

Nour Abu Hjoul is an exchange student from Israel studying at Oshkosh North High School. Her home school is Mar Elias High School in Ibillin, Israel. Enjoy a light lunch (freewill offering) and Nour's engaging presentation about her homeland and her experience of living among us in Wisconsin. Sign up at the Information Desk. Contact Joan Deming at 608-241-9281 with any questions.
Joys & Concerns
Congratulations to Sabra Lesse and Ross Wydeven on the birth of their daughter, Vivian Lucille Wydeven on March 20. She is welcomed by proud grandparents Karen and Paul Wydeven and aunt Laura Wydeven.

Our love and sympathy are extended to the family of Joyce Leadley who died March 29.  Read Obituary >

(Wilma) Jeanette Jarrell, spouse of retired clergy member Thomas R. Jarrell, died on Thursday, March 23, 2017 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The Jarrells served at Madison: First, Tomah, Eau Claire: Lake Street, and Sheboygan: St. Luke. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 1 in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas.
Announcements
No Parking in Masonic Center or Hiebing Lots this Sunday
The Masonic Center will be using both the upper and lower levels of the parking structure for an event this Sunday, April 2. Parking vouchers are available every Sunday at the Information Desk for free parking in the Urban Land Interests ramp across from the church at Pinckney and Dayton.
Sunday in the Octagon
  • Easter Community Meal Support
    Learn how you can support this annual free dinner.
    Contact Karen Andro > 
  • Lyons Lecture Registration
    Sign up for the Saturday, April 29 event featuring Rev. Dr. Robin Meyers. Learn More >
  • United Methodist Camp Sunday
    Discover opportunities for fun, enrichment and personal growth at United Methodist camps in Wisconsin. Learn More >
Newcomer Gathering
Sunday, April 2, 10:30 a.m., Room 208
Theology for the 21st Century
Sundays, 10:30 a.m., Room LL05
The Jesus Fatwah: Loving Your Muslim Neighbor As Yourself
Sundays, through April 2, 10:30 a.m., Chapel
Prayer Shawl Ministry Team
Monday, April 3, 2 p.m., Chapel
Bring your needlework or just yourself. Patterns will be available. Members are always happy to teach simple knitting or crocheting stitches to get you started! 
People of Faith for Justice Advocacy Day
Tuesday, April 4, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., FUMC
Details and Registration > 
Intimate Portraits of Gaza's Lost
Sunday, April 2, 2 p.m.
St. James Church (1128 St. James Ct., Madison)
Featuring Photographer Anne Paq, Journalist Ala Qandil and the Obliterated Families Project. Please RSVP by Friday, March 31.
More Info > 
First Church Foot Care Clinic Volunteers Needed
Saturday, April 15, 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., FUMC
Help out at this monthly clinic that provides essential services for our neighbors in need. Sign up online or contact Karen Andro at [email protected] or 608-338-0320. Sign Up Online >
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203 Wisconsin Avenue
Madison, WI 53703
608-256-9061