News @First

A Weekly Newsletter of The First United Methodist Church

Thursday, June 22

Sunday Worship

Message on Romans 6:1b-11

Rev. Dr. Mark A. Fowler

Music: Quadrilateral Quartet: 9 a.m.

Becky Buechel, Vocal Soloist: 11:15 a.m.

Worship: 9 a.m. & 11:15 a.m., Sanctuary

Coffee Fellowship: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall

Christian Formation Opportunities

Sunday, June 25, 10:15 a.m.

Children's Summer Sunday School

Room LL17

"Forgiveness Is Key"

Children age 3 - Grade 5

Youth Summer Sunday School

Room LL04

"Who Is My Neighbor?"

Middle School and High School Youth

Parents' Group

Room LL12

" Priorities for Faithful Living"

Compassion and Healing, Facilitated by Rev. Tina Lang

Learn More >

Adult Study

Chapel

"Who Is My Neighbor?" Series

"Hope's Home Neighbors,"

Facilitated by Karen Andro, Director of Hope's Home Ministries at First Church

Learn More >

Welcome, Rev. Breanna Illéné

The Staff Parish Relations Committee is pleased to announce that Rev. Illéné has been appointed by Bishop He-Soo Jung to First United Methodist Church, Madison, as Assisting Pastor for Young Adults.

Rev. Illéné begins this appointment, which is approximately 10 hours per week, as of July 1. She will be working in partnership with Seth Schroerlucke, while she also continues as the pastor at Trinity UMC. Funding for this position comes from a grant to First Church by Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. The grant is for $10,000 per year for the next two years.

We are excited about this opportunity to grow our ministry to and with the many young adults who have begun to call First Church their church home, and those who are yet to come. Please welcome Rev. Illéné!

Notes from Annual Conference

A lot happened in a few days at the Wisconsin Annual Conference last week. Read all about it.

Read Notes

Congratulations, Donna Veatch

Donna Veatch received the Perry Saito award at the Wisconsin United Methodist Annual Conference for her commitment and dedication to ministries of compassion and social justice. Congratulations!

Endurance Produces Character

Because we are justified by faith, we have hope. What is God asking us to do with the hope of each new day? Every day is an opportunity to step outside and bring God's message of grace to the world.

Principal Reduction of Mortgage Loan

Thank you to all who have donated toward lowering our mortgage balance prior to the refinancing on June 30. Over $11,000 has been received thus far. If you would like to donate, there will be envelopes at the Information Desk this Sunday or you can donate through our church web site. Thank you!

Donate Now

Best Wishes to Sharon McNeely

The work of the Governing Board, Staff Parish Relations and Lead Pastor have focused on the alignment of staff, resources and programs to focus our energies and be more effective stewards. Re-writing the mortgage, seeking grants to underwrite strategic contracted personnel and making important budgeting choices that will carry the church into the future have been some of the pieces that have been the focus of attention. As part of that work, it was determined that the position of Office Manager and Operations Associate would be removed from the staffing roster. Sharon McNeely has filled that position and several other tasks related to finance since being hired as an intern. With gratitude, we have extended support for her transition to the next step in her journey and wish her God's caring and good wishes in future endeavors.

Joys & Concerns

We extend our love and support to Ev Woolpert, whose mother, Louise Dick, died Sunday, June 18, in Longview, Texas.

We offer our condolences and prayers of support to Karen Wineland, Anna Wineland and Laura Wineland Fernandez upon the death of Chuck Wineland on Tuesday, June 20. A Service of Death and Resurrection will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 25 in the Sanctuary. A time of visitation will begin at 1 p.m. A gathering to share memories and fellowship will follow the service, in Fellowship Hall.