2012: May 23

Greetings!

Below is the current edition of the Gathering & Scattering newsletter.  If you have any questions about any of the articles or need more information, please visit our website or contact the church office by calling (225) 344-0343. We hope to see you in worship this Sunday!
Staff Parish Relations Committee Announces Staff Changes

Clergy

It has been announced that Bishop William Hutchinson plans to appoint The Rev. Dr. Jay Hogewood as Pastor of Ingleside United Methodist Church effective July 1, 2011.  Jay's final Sunday with us will be June 24, 2012.  He will preach that day in both services and we will gather for a reception in his honor during the Fellowship Time.  A love offering will be received for Jay thanking him for this time of service at University Church and we invite the congregation to contribute. This gift will be presented to him on June 24. Make your checks payable to the church and mark Hogewood Love Offering on the memo line.  The deadline to contribute is June 17, 2012.

Children's Ministries
The search is beginning for a Minister/Director of Christian Formation.  This full-time position will have direct responsibilities for strengthening and developing our programming with children and their families.  The ability to work in a highly collaborative and collegial environment, and with experience recruiting and resourcing volunteers, especially in the area of children's ministries, will be helpful.  While a Master's degree is preferable, candidates with a Bachelor's degree and substantial experience will be considered.  To apply, please email resume with cover letter to Kyle Wooldridge at kyle@universitymethodist.org.

Congregational Care

Effective July 1, 2011, Rev. Carol Civils will join our staff part-time as Minister of Congregational Care. 

Carol Civils received her M.A. degree from LSU and began her professional career as a speech pathologist serving in many environments such as the public schools, pediatric rehabilitation, LA Dept. of Education, and sales representative for a company that manufactures communication devices for individuals who cannot speak.  

 

In 1991 she received a call from God to ordained ministry at The United Methodist Gathering at the River in Baton Rouge and responded by exploring ministry in the United Methodist Church. She discerned that her call was to be a deacon; that is, a person called by God, authorized by the Church, and ordained by a bishop to a lifetime ministry of Word and Service to both the community and the congregation in a ministry that connects the two. She then attended Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY. Taking classes both online and on campus while working full time, Carol completed the graduate theological studies in 2007. After her ordination in June 2011, Carol began volunteering as a deacon at Broadmoor UMC in the areas of worship, congregational care, and lay mobilization. Here her gifts as pastor, teacher, and encourager were recognized in ministry.

 

She lives in Baton Rouge with her husband, Dave, two daughters, Dana and Brooke, and granddaughter Caroline. She loves to travel, read, and play with Caroline. She eagerly looks forward to serving the congregation at UUMC and developing new relationships! Her duties at UUMC will focus on pastoral contact and visitation for individuals who are homebound, in hospitals, retirement centers, and nursing facilities.

 

Youth Ministries
Chris King will be transitioning out of his role in June as our Director of Youth Ministries.  Chris has faithfully and effectively led our youth group for the past four years, while at  the same time managing his consulting business.  The demands of his work have increased to the point that Chris feels he is unable to effectively continue in his role as youth director.  He will remain as a supportive parent and active participant in the life of the church.  Included below is his letter of resignation:

Dear Van and Parents of Youth at UUMC,

Over the past several months, Van and I have discussed the future of the youth program at UUMC. As some of you may be aware, I was hired "part-time" in my current position. From the beginning, I have always given as much time and energy to the program as I could possibly allocate. At this time, the needs of the church and the program are demanding more and more time from the Director of Youth Ministries than I can honestly commit.

As long-time friends and as employer and employee, Van and I have discussed at length what is best for the ministry of the church and the long-term health of the youth program. As of June 16th, my time as the Director of Youth Ministries will come to an end.

I will remain on board as a volunteer; however, to assist the church in making a healthy transition. Words cannot describe how meaningful this journey has been for me. I have grown professionally and spiritually and love the youth at this church more than words can express. UUMC is my church home now, and you all have become my family. I look forward to seeing you on Sundays.

Sincerely,

Chris King

We will celebrate Chris's tenure on Sunday, June 17, 2012.  A Youth Transition Task Force has been formed to assist with this transition.  Members include: Boyd and Monica Bryan, Stewart Craig, Shirley Flake, Marcia McKinzie, Gary Merrifield and Mandi Lopez, Mandy Scallan and Laura St. Amand.  If there are any other parents of youth who would like to be a part of this team, please notify Kyle Wooldridge at kyle@universitymethodist.org.

Please keep our church in your prayers during this season of transition.  The Staff-Parish Relations Committee will keep you updated and informed as we move through the necessary procedures and take the necessary steps to insure that these important programs remain strong and grow even stronger in the future.

 

An Invitation from Dr. Van A Stinson
 - Please Read and Reply


I'm beginning to work on next year's sermon plan.  Every year I map out my sermons and I invite you to share with me your best thoughts and ideas, the biblical and theological questions you have, and the spiritual needs you would like to have addressed from the pulpit in the coming year. Your input is invaluable. It shapes the direction of the sermons I plan and preach.  Every idea, every question, every issue is taken into consideration as I prayerfully seek the guidance of the Spirit in my planning.  So, here's what I'd like to ask: Please click on this link, kyle@universitymethodist.org  and share with me answers to the following four questions:

  • What ideas do you have for sermons that would connect with your life, your family's life and the lives of your friends? (questions you/they ask, issues you/they raise, or a series for which you would find it easy to invite your unchurched friends to joining you)
  • What biblical, theological or spiritual questions do you have that the church might answer in a sermon or series of sermons?
  • What area of the Christian life would you like to grow in in the coming year?
  • What are the personal, relational or pastoral issues you wrestle with, or the moral and ethical issues faced in our broader society, that you would like to see addressed in a sermon or series of sermons?
I am also in the process of collecting a list of hard questions that need to be/ought to be asked about the Bible.  One additional and specific question I would like you to answer is:  

  • What are the hardest questions you can think of that you'd love to have addressed/answered from the pulpit concerning the Bible?  No issue is off limits and no question is inappropriate.  

I look forward to reading your replies as I begin mapping out next year's sermons!  Thank you in advance for your help.


 

 

 

 

Rev. Dr. Van A. Stinson
SENIOR MINISTER  

Sermon Series Concludes on Sunday
 Our journey through the I AM sayings in the Gospel of John concludes on Sunday with an exploration of Jesus words recorded in John 15:1. "I am the true vine, and my father is the vinegrower."  There are many images of the church contained in the New Testament.  This sermon will delve into this important saying of Jesus in hopes of discovering clear implications for our understanding of the church.

Watch next week for more information in the Gathering & Scattering on the next Sermon Series that you can look forward too!

It's VBS Sign-up Time! UUMC Contact

We're bringing an underwater universe to the kids at our Vacation Bible School, OPERATION OVERBOARD: DARE TO GO DEEP WITH GOD! Your children will become divers-in-training at OPERATION OVERBOARD as we plunge into God's Word and discover stories of deep faith.


Cindy Hall, 2012 Vacation Bible School Director, will be in the Fellowship Hall this Sunday to register your child for Vacation Bible School.
You may also download a form by clicking this link and return the filled out form to the church office with your payment attached.

VBS will be held this summer June 25-29.  The hours are 9:00 AM-
12:00 PM, although early drop-off (beginning at 7:15 AM) and extended care (lunch and until 5:30 PM) are available for an extra fee.  If you need extended care you must register for VBS no later than June 11th. The cost for VBS is $10.00 and discreet scholarships are available. Please contact the church office for more information.

Summer Sunday Schedule
We will once again combine into one worship service for the month of July as we enjoy summer and a more relaxed atmosphere!

JULY SUNDAY SCHEDULE:
9:30 AM - Sunday School for all ages
10:30 AM - Worship
11:30 AM - Fellowship in Fellowship Hall

This is a great way to get to know those folks who attend the "other" service!
Summer Choir Opportunity
During the month of July anyone who is interested in participating in our Summer Choir is invited to meet at 9:30 AM in the church chapel starting on July 8th. We will practice for an hour prior to worship perform the Choir Anthem in worship for July 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th. The music will be easy to pick up and fun  for all ages and musical levels.

If you have always wanted to sing in a choir, but just haven't had time to commit in the past or have never gotten up the nerve, this is the perfect choir to get involved with! We hope to see many of you come out and join us in singing some fun summer anthems!
Kids Hope News UUMC Contact
UUMC was happy to host the University Terrace 5th Grade Recognition Ceremony last Friday.  Judge Trudy White was the guest speaker and Louisiana Department of Revenue provided the reception in our courtyard. It was wonderful to meet the families of the children we've grown to love.  I'd like to say a special word of thanks to Kyle Wooldridge for decorating the church with her beautiful floral arrangements and running the sound system, to Lee McKinzie, Lisa Frost and JoAnn Parker for participating in the ceremony, and to Jane Blackledge for providing special recognition awards.  

There is no doubt that the children feel the love this church pours out on them and it is our hope that this love will help sustain them during the next stage of their lives.

Shirley
shirley.flake@gmail.com
Rev. Lee McKinzie helping Jenny Sutcliffe's mentee with his tie before the UT 5th Grade Recognition Ceremony last Friday.


In This Issue
SPR Announces Staff Changes
An Invitation from our Senior Minister
I AM Sermon Series last Sunday
VBS Sign-up
Summer Sunday Schedule
Summer Choir
Kids Hope News
Church-Wide Potluck & Chapel Choir Musical Showcase
Thursday Evenings in June
NEEDS & OPPORTUNITIES
Church Directory Update
Walk Where Jesus Walked
LSU Game Day Parking Season Passes

Like us on Facebook



UNIVERSITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
3350 Dalrymple Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

PHONE: 225.344.0343
FAX: 225.344.
0530

 

If you received this email from a friend, please consider signing up to receive it directly
from the church:



Thursday Evenings during
June will be Exciting!!

Mark your calendars to be part of a night of excitement at UUMC.  The four Thursday evenings of June will feature a BIG line-up of opportunities for you. 

For more details please visit our website. To signup, please click this link to be taken to our online registration form. Reservations are required for dinner and childcare. If you are unable to signup online, please call the church office and we will be glad to get you registered! 

6:00-6:30 PM
    Snack dinner (donation)
6:15-8:15 PM
    Childcare at $3.00 per child
6:30-7:30 PM
    Summer Classes:
 -In Search of Belief: The Apostle's Creed, led by Mary Grodner
 -Sleeping with Bread: Holding What Gives You Life, led by Lisa Frost
 -Familiarity Just May Breed Contempt: A Look at Four Familiar Parables in Luke, led by Lee McKinzie
 
7:30-8:00 PM
    Vespers
          (with Holy Communion)

 

NEEDS & OPPORTUNITIES:

 

 Don't forget our First Sunday Food Drive on June 3rd!  

Schools out for summer! That also means no school lunches or breakfasts. For many children in our community these may be their only meals for the day! Please give generously. Consider putting in an extra jar of peanut butter and jelly in the food collection in the Fellowship Hall next Sunday!

 

_____________________

 

 

 UUMC Co-Ed Softball  

 Anyone interested in participating on the UUMC Team in the 2012 United Methodist Co-Ed Softball league  should contact Jonathan Stuckey at jbstuckey@gmail.com.   

The season starts late May and ends mid-July.  Games are played mid-week evenings.  All skill levels welcome, but you must be at least 16 years old.  Come join the tradition of Baton Rouge's only softball league that focuses on Fun and Fellowship!

 

_____________________

 

 
Save your two liter bottles for VBS -If you drink from 2 liter bottles, please save them and drop them off washed out, with or without their tops, to the church office. We will be using these for a craft for VBS and need around 120!

 

_____________________


How about serving as an usher? Our Usher team is expanding to accommodate the growth of the church. Would you enjoy serving in this way? Training is provided. Contact Michael Wells, mw_wells@hotmail.com or 225-413-3313.

_____________________

 

Crucifers Will Soon Include Youth and Adults!  Beginning in June the role of Worship Crucifer will be shared among all people of the congregation. Would you enjoy leading others this way in worship? Please contact the church office (344-0343) if the answer is "yes" and specify 8:30 service or 11:00 service. Training is provided.

 

 

_____________________

 

 

Is "Your Thing" Leading The Affirmation of Faith?  Each Sunday during the Service of Worship someone leads the Affirmation of Faith (usually the Apostles Creed). Would like to take a turn? Contact Lee McKinzie, 344-0343 or lee@universitymethodist.org,   

and let us know.

 

_____________________

 

 

Are You In A Sunday School Class for Adults? Several great classes meet at 9:45 on Sunday mornings (at the same time as Sunday School for children and youth).  A mixture of lecture and discussion, fellowship and study, service and enrichment, these classes all enjoy the company of others and all provide lots of opportunity for fun.
 Contact Lee McKinzie, lee@universitymethodist.org or 344-0343.


_____________________   


Are You Handy?

    The church is compiling a listing of those who are "good with their hands" and enjoy doing things such as changing light bulbs, building wheel-chair ramps and repairing screen doors.  Are you such a person?  Contact Lee McKinzie, 344-0343 or lee@universitymethodist.org, and let us know.


_____________________ 

  

Church Directory
We are in the last stages of putting together our new church directory.

During the fellowship time after each service on May 27th and June 3rd we will have a table set up in the fellowship hall where we will have proof copies of the working directory available for viewing.

At this time families and members will have the opportunity to correct contact information, pose for a picture if they didn't previously, or email in a photo of their choosing before we finalize the directory for publication in June. We will also have print outs of the photos that were taken or emailed in previously for the directory, so that those may be viewed before being printed in the directory.

Once the directory is finalized we will post it as a password protected PDF which will be downloadable from our website. At that time we will also give out information to the congregation on purchasing a printed copy. The cost will be determined by our actual costs to produce the directory, which cannot be calculated until we are closer to the end of this process.

If you have any questions or would like to submit updated contact information or a photo for the directory, please contact Kelly Surace by calling the church office or emailing her at kelly@universitymethodist.org.

WALK WHERE
JESUS WALKED

Have You Always Wanted To Walk Where Jesus Walked?   A study tour of Israel and Jordan is organized for January 29-February 9, 2013 featuring Dr. Sam Morris (from the Jerusalem Institute of Biblical Exploration) as the teacher and Dr. Van Stinson as the Spiritual Guide.  We hope that you will prayerfully consider joining us on this great excursion.


Spaces are limited and people are are already signing up - so don't lose the chance to save your place and take the trip of a lifetime!  To put your name on the list, please contact Rev. Lee McKinzie by calling the church office or emailing lee@universitymethodist.org.

 

LSU GAME DAY PARKING SEASON PASSES NOW ON SALE!
UUMC Contact
Each year University United Methodist Church sells parking on LSU football game days as a fundraiser. This year, season passes are being sold for $240 for the 2012 season (8 games at $30 each). This is a great deal considering that LSU just announced that many of their paid lots will now only be available for season ticket holders at a price of $600 per season. 

We are hoping to pre-sell both of our lots as season passes. This not only guarantees the church a set income for the year to put towards our budget and ministry, but it also allows for less volunteers to be needed for each game - it's a win-win!

If you would be interested in purchasing a LSU Football Gameday Season Parking Pass for the 2012 season, please click this link to get more details and to download a form to fill out and return with your payment.  

Parking spaces are sold on a first come, first serve basis. Parking is open to all, not just UUMC Members. Please pass on this information to anyone who you think may be interested!

 


SUNDAY EDUCATION CLASSES FOR SUNDAY, May 27th:

  • Contemporary Christian Concerns -  An Update on Pakistan and Afganistan.
  • College Group - Group Discussion
  • Cornerstone Class -  New class for those in their 30's - mid 50's to discuss Current Christian issues. Our class is currently discussing What Christians Believe (If Anything!?) and being lead by Mary Grodner. For more information about this class please contact Greg Toney.   
  • Genesis Class - Rob Bell, Love Wins.    
  • Foundations Class - World Justice Utopia, A guide to spiritual conversations. We will also discuss our upcoming lesson series, Influencing like Jesus.
  • Inter-Generational Bible Study - The Acts of the Apostles
  • J.O.Y. Class  - Barney Barnett will lead our class.    
  • Open Door - We view and discuss video, Who Does God Think is Great?    

CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR FULL CHURCH CALENDAR 

  

WITHIN THE CHURCH FAMILY...

JOYS:   
  • We celebrate the baptism of Levi Sheridan Langlois, son of Joshua and Rena Langlois, which took place this last Sunday, May 20th. 
  • Congratulations to Sonni Muller who became an American Citizen this last week!
  • Congratulations to 2012 College graduate, Ben Aramsky. Ben is an After School Staff Member.  
  • Happy Birthday to Peggy Kilgore
     

PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER:

Valerie Achee, Rosa Aguila, Freda Anderson, Andy Brewer, the family of Andrew Bui, Irma Cassel, Doris Coats, David Diehl, Doris Dobson, Melva Field, Barney Garner, Sandy Godail, Rosemarie Hall, Nathalie Henderson, Bill Hoover, Joy Johnson, Art Moles, Bob Moles, Jay Perkins, Walter Pierron, Mary Lou Riche, Pat Rives, Carmel Roux, Leslie Salter, Magdi Selim, Bessie Schumaker, Justin Steiner, Gayle Strickland, Katherine Watts, George Woest.

 

 

*If you have a Joy, Concern, or a name for the prayer list  that you would like mentioned here, please email kelly@universitymethodist.org or call her in the church office at 225-344-0343. Deadline for submitting information to the newsletter is every Monday at noon for information to be included in that weeks newsletter. We also celebrate birthdays of our members who have reached the age of 80+, if you fit this category but we missed your birthday, please call us so we can add your birthday to our database.*