A Weekly Newsletter of The First United Methodist Church
Thursday, February 16
Sunday Worship
Message: Rev. Dr. Mark A. Fowler
"Christ, the Foundation"
Text: I Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23
Music: Chancel Choir, Blessed Brass
Prelude will begin at 8:50 a.m.
 
Worship: 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m., Sanctuary
Coffee Fellowship: 8:30-10:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall
Hope for Creation:
Workshop with Timothy Eberhart
Saturday, March 18, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., FUMC

In an age of climate change, ecological degradation, and the growing environmental movement, how might Christians contribute to the regenerative healing of creation? Rev. Dr. Timothy Eberhart, assistant professor of theology and ecology at Garrett-Evangelical Seminary, will attend to the realities of humanity's destructive impact on the environment, examine the relevance of Christian beliefs to an ecological worldview, and explore practical ways people of faith are engaging in mission and justice for the good of the earth. Registration: $15 (Lunch is included if you register by March 15.) Free childcare.
Extending the Table: Mardi Gras Brunch
Sunday, February 26
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., 
Fellowship Hall
Tickets Available Sundays, February 19 & 26, Octagon

This fundraiser for youth missions will feature a New Orleans style food, music and festivities. Fun for the whole family! Purchase your tickets this Sunday in the Octagon.
Ash Wednesday Worship and Meal
Wednesday, March 1
Supper at 5:45 p.m.,  Fellowship Hall
Worship at 6:30 p.m., Sanctuary

Members of Trinity United Methodist Church and their pastor, Breanna Illéné, will join us for a time of worship which will include the Imposition of Ashes. A combined choir from First Church and Trinity will provide music ministry, accompanied by the harp music of Cheryl Saltzman from Trinity. Come early for fellowship and a simple supper together in Fellowship Hall (freewill offering).
L'chaim

Every day we have a choice to make. Choose life!

Youth Fruit Sale for Local Missions
Last Chance! Sunday, February 19

Proceeds from this year's sales will benefit local programs that are an extension of our church's mission, such as Porchlight and Wisconsin Faith Voices for Justice. Choose from an assortment of fresh citrus fruit, cheese and sausage. Too much fruit for you? Consider donating all or part of an order to the Food Pantry. Orders will be available for pickup at church Saturday, March 4 from 3-4 p.m. and the morning of Sunday, March 5.
First Church Ministries Highlights

Keep an eye on the projection screens in the Sanctuary during the worship Offertory time. Each week we will express our appreciation for the wide variety of critical ministries to which our friends and members give their gifts of time and energy as an offering to God. There are many ways we can give to God and serve our neighbors. Maybe you will be inspired to become involved in one of these ministry areas too!
The Jesus Fatwah: 
Loving Your Muslim Neighbor As Yourself
Sundays, March 5 - April 2, 
10:30 a.m., Chapel

Much of what passes as information about Islam is weed-like disinformation rooted in stereotype and watered by fear. In this video-based study accompanied by discussion,seventeen Islamic and Christian scholars offer reliable information about what Muslims believe, how they live out their faith, and how we all can be about building relationships across the lines of faith.
Lyons Lecture 
Registration Open
Saturday, April 29, FUMC

"Can you imagine a church where there is no acceptable alternative to hope, no substitute for joy, and no excuse not to offer the same unconditional love to others that has been so freely lavished on us?"

So says Robin Meyers, the 2017 Lyons lecturer. If you would like to hear more, plan on attending this year's Lecture. Hurry, because seating is limited to the first three hundred registrants. Take advantage of our early bird discount. Special reduced rates for young adults and students of all ages apply.
Circle the Cities with Love - Madison 
Sunday, February 19, 2-3 p.m., Capitol Building

Our nation has just endured one of the most divisive and hate-filled election seasons in our history. On Sunday people will gather in silent witness to Circle the Capitol with Love and embody the power that brings healing, peace and justice to our cities, our country and our world. Meet at the State Street entrance. Email [email protected] with questions. 
Holy Land Trip

Join Rev. Joan Deming and Pilgrims of Ibillin on a 13-Day Journey to Meet the Peacemakers of the Holy Land: May 15-27, 2017. Visit holy sites and meet the "Living Stones" of Palestine and Israel during a listening/study tour. We'll visit Archbishop Elias Chacour, stay several days at his Mar Elias Schools in Ibillin, and meet with vital organizations in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Ramallah, Zababdeh, Ramle, and Ibillin. You'll learn directly from leaders in the West Bank and Israel who are seeking a nonviolent path to peace.
 
Note that registrations received by February 28 receive a $50 discount off the $500 registration fee. Total cost, including registration, is $1950 - which covers all on-the-ground costs except airfare, insurance, and several lunches.
 
If spring dates don't work for you, a second, similar trip is scheduled for October 16-29 this fall.

Or contact Joan Deming at  608-235-1046  or  [email protected] .
Joys & Concerns
We extend our love and condolences to Nancy McDonald, whose husband, Monty J.  McDonald, died Tuesday, February 14. Visitation followed by a memorial service will be held at Olbrich Gardens on Friday, February 24 at 1:30 p.m.
Announcements
Sunday in the Octagon
  • J ust Bakery Initiative
    Fresh bakery products for sale from this program of Madison Urban Ministries (MUM).  Learn More >
     
  • International Ministries Equal Exchange Coffee
    What goes better with bakery than a good cup of coffee? Coffee, chocolate and other goodies now available only on the third Sunday of each month. Learn More > 
Climate Justice Book Study
Sunday, February 19, 1 p.m., Chapel
Inter-congregational study of Climate Justice: A Call to Hope and Action concludes.  Learn More >
Governing Board Meeting
Monday, February 20, 6 p.m., Room 208
Young Adults Discussion Group
Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Barriques (127 W. Wash)
"Seeking and Serving God in a Time of Public Turmoil" Rev. Mel Vance will facilitate a provocative discussion. Contact Seth Schroerlucke at [email protected] for more information.
UMW Envisioning Team Meeting CHANGE
Note: There will NOT be a meeting on Thursday, February 22 as originally planned.
UMW Pine Lake Retreat
Saturday, March 4 - Sunday, March 5
The women of Bethany UMC invite other United Methodist women to join them for a retreat at Pine Lake. The theme will be "Listening to the Prophets." Registration deadline is Tuesday, February 21.
Early Response Team Training
Saturday, March 4, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
UM Conference Building, Sun Prairie
An Early Response Team provides a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of a disaster. It is a cooperative effort between the United Methodist Committee On Relief (UMCOR) and United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UM-VIM). If you would like to learn best practices for responding in disaster situations and become credentialed for an Early Response Team (a background check is also required), you are invited to attend this training session. Cost: $20 (includes lunch and background check) Registration deadline is February 25.  Download Registration Form > 
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203 Wisconsin Avenue
Madison, WI 53703
608-256-9061