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News From

February 1, 2017

For the good of the city
... Jeremiah 29:7

Church Office:
785-233-8100

In This Issue


Give to FUMC by text!
Do you have information about a church activity you'd like to share? 

Coming Up Soon:  
  • Wednesday, February 1
    • 5:00 p.m. Praise Team Rehearsal, Chapel
    • 5:15 p.m. Phase 2 Yoga, Rm 210
    • 6:00 p.m. 
      • Disciple Fast Track, Fellowship Hall
      • New Vibrations Rehearsal, Rm L17
    • 7:00 p.m. Stephen Ministry Training, Hearth Room
  • Thursday, February 2
    • 8:30 a.m. Senior Coffee & Donuts, Baker's Dozen
    • 6:00 p.m. Rhapsody Ringers Rehearsal, Rm L17
    • 7:30 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
  • Sunday, February 5: Scout Sunday
    • 8:00 a.m. Youth Ringers Rehearsal, Rm L17
    • 8:15 a.m. Arise Worship Service, Chapel
    • 9:00 a.m.
      • Coffee Connection, Celebration Room
      • Youth Souper Bowl Take-Out Fundraiser, Celebration Room
    • 9:30 a.m.
      • 9-3-0 Worship Service, Chapel
      • Sunday School for Children and Adults
      • Worship Enhancement Informational Meeting, Fellowship Hall
    • 10:30 a.m. 
      • Coffee Connection, Celebration Room
      • Youth Souper Bowl Take-Out Fundraiser, Celebration Room
    • 11:00 a.m. 
      • Sanctuary Worship Service
      • Worship Enhancement Informational Meeting, Chapel
  • Tuesday, February 7
    • 9:00 a.m. Quilting Group, Rm L35
  • Wednesday, February 8
    • 12:00 p.m. Special Speaker, Imam Omar Hazim, and Brown Bag Lunch, Celebration Room
    • 1:00 p.m. Naomi Ruth UMW Circle, Hearth Room
    • 5:00 p.m. Praise Team Rehearsal, Chapel
    • 5:15 p.m. Phase 2 Yoga, Rm 210
    • 6:00 p.m.
      • Disciple Fast Track, Fellowship Hall
      • New Vibrations Rehearsal, Rm L17
    • 6:30 p.m. Venture Crew, Rm L37
    • 7:00 p.m. Stephen Ministry Training, Hearth Room
  • Thursday, February 9
    • 2:00 p.m. Shepherd's Center Line Dancing, Fellowship Hall
    • 6:00 p.m. Rhapsody Ringers, Rm L17
    • 7:30 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
  • Friday, February 10
    • 8:00 a.m. WAFFLE, State Street Elementary
  • Saturday, February 11
    • 7:30 a.m. Men's Meeting, Fellowship Hall
    • 11:30 a.m. Phase 2 Craft Day, Yak 'N Yarn

In Worship This Week:

Scripture:
John 3:16-23

Message:
What does the S in Superman stand for?
Rev. Shawn O'Trimble, Associate Pastor

Worship Enhancements and Miracle Sunday Event

Please plan to attend the informational meeting on Sunday, February 5 at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall or 11 a.m. in Klasse Chapel to learn more about Worship Enhancements and Miracle Sunday Event:

* Why worship enhancements are needed and what they are.
* Methods for making your gift.
* How and when gifts can be made.
* Miracle Sunday details.

Only 18 more days until Miracle Sunday will be held at all three services and the catered lunch will follow the 11 a.m. worship service. You may sign up for the lunch three ways: in the Celebration Room, at the Front Desk or on our Member Access Page. A free will offering will be available at the lunch.
Phase 2 Activities

Phase 2 was formed by a group of FUMC Baby Boomers in 2015. It was developed recognizing that as we become "empty nesters" and retirees, we want to be engaged in activities that:
  • Are worthwhile
  • Utilize our experience and expertise effectively
  • Offer flexibility in our commitments
  • Build and nurture relationships and friendships
The activities are planned by a small team - Dennis Tietze, Beth Evans, Shelly Hutchinson, Sharron Randol, Tiwana Whitten, Barb Brammell and Marsha Oliver.

Phase 2 is not chronological - it's a state of mind. And it's not limited to FUMC members! So if our activities are attractive to you, please join us and let us know if you'd like to join our team. We'll welcome your ideas.

Your Phase 2 Team has been hard at work to develop some activities we hope you'll look forward to-- please let Tiwana know if you're interested:
  • Saturday, Feb 11
    • 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. FUMC member Karen Taylor, owner of Yak 'n Yarn in Fairlawn Plaza, will provide a crafts event. We will create a Valentine pin with buttons. We plan to give the pins to our homebound members. No charge for this activity. For those who want to grab lunch before, we will meet at Grandma Wocks at 11:00 (right across from Yak 'N Yarn). Click here to register for this event.
  • Tuesday, Feb 28
    • 5:15-7 p.m. Join your Phase 2 friends for our first ever quarterly AFTER HOURS! We'll meet at the Celtic Fox in their private room. Phase 2 will provide some appetizers--drinks will be on your own. Our goal is to include those of you who are still gainfully employed. We're hoping you'll come and bring your friends!
  • Sunday, March 26
    • 3-5 p.m. We'll reserve the back room at Potwin Pottery to paint Easter themed items. After that we'll proceed to a restaurant (TBD) for dinner. The details for the Potwin Pottery event are: 
      • If we have more than eight people, the studio fee will be $6 per person. 
      • You'll choose your item to paint. The cost for these range from $5-$75. We have photos of some of the pieces for you to see. Please let us know if you're interested so you can choose your item in advance. 
      • Once the pieces are painted, PP will fire them and have them available for pick-up in a week 
  • Saturday, April 1
    • 9 a.m.-Noon Church grounds clean-up. By April 1, it will be time to lend a hand to make our grounds attractive--light lunch to follow! 
  • Sunday, April 23
    • Quarterly Movie Night--Details to follow.

The Topeka Chapter of the American Guild of Organists P resents
An Introduction to the King of Instruments: The Pipe Organ

Sunday, February 12, 2017
2-3:30 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church
8th & Harrison Streets
Topeka, KS

This free event is open to all ages. Participants will enjoy a hands-on time of learning about the organ, followed by experiencing two examples of music  which showcase the mighty organ's sounds and colors. Snacks included. Although a reservation is not required, it will assist us in planning. Call 785-233-9601 to reserve your seat today.

Shepherd's Center Adventures in Learning

Shepherd's Center is a volunteer senior organization designed for men and women 55 years of age and older that enhances physical well-being, spiritual growth, and education. It provides an opportunity to gather with others who are eager to remain vital, informed, educated and socialized. The 2017 Winter Session is February 3, 10, 17 and 24. Classes start at 9 a.m. and the program concludes at 11:30 a.m. You choose from a variety of available classes with a delicious brunch provided mid-morning between the two classes. A short music session and/or exercise session concludes the activities. The cost is $30 for all four Friday mornings. Shepherd's Center is located at Lowman Hill United Methodist Church, 4101 SW 15th St. (SW corner of 15th and Gage Blvd.). All activities are on one level of the church and easily accessible to all participants. First-time guests are welcome to attend one Friday morning at no cost. This is a wonderful fellowship opportunity! Registration forms are available in the Celebration Room. Contact Tiwana with any questions.

Operation Red File

The OPERATION RED FILE program which has been in operation in Shawnee County for almost a year has the distinctive large, red magnetic file folders designed for seniors to place on their refrigerator for instant access, where first responders will first look for vital medical and other contact information when entering a home. 

"Keeping these key medical records easily accessible, and having them in a location and packaged in a way that is immediately recognizable to emergency medical personnel, can mean the difference between life and death in some instances," said KDADS Commissioner on Aging Craig Kaberline. 

Participants are encouraged to put copies of their medical information and other critical documents in the file folder, such as a clear, current photograph of the participant, a copy of EKG and DNR orders, a medication list that should be updated as needed; and medical coverage information.  Beginning Sunday, for the month of February, The OPERATION RED FILE envelopes will be available at the front desk.  Please direct any questions to Tiwana.

Winter Quarterly Committee Report

First Church had a blessed 2016 and we look forward to where God leads us in 2017. 

Thank you to the 65 members who joined together Sunday afternoon in Fellowship Hall for leadership training. Under Pastor Jeff's leadership, we continued the discussion of First Church's work in loving God and loving our neighbors to GO and make disciples of all nations. Members discussed:
  • What is it about where First Church is now that is exciting?
  • Where is First Church stuck?
  • Where is First Church going? 
  • How do we get there? 
We wrapped up our time together discussing invitational evangelism. My hope is that you know someone who attended, and start a conversation about things we learned. We have issues to address, but I know together, under God's care, we can meet the challenges. Please include the Leadership and Church staff in your prayers. 

Our committees and teams have been busy continuing the work of First Church to connect, grow, and serve! Please use this link to read the January Quarterly report on the successes of the fall/winter programming, and upcoming activities during the spring and Lenten season. Please pray and consider ways you could help out. 

Any specific questions/suggestions concerning a committee should be directed to the person listed after the committee. If you have any questions or suggestions about the Quarterly Report, please let me know.

Jill Wolters, Chair, Leadership Council
 
Changes to Offering Envelopes

Currently, Topeka First UMC mails two different batches of offering envelopes to our members. One batch contains envelopes marked by months, and the other batch contains envelopes marked by weeks. Sending these two different batches adds significant extra expense to our church budget, since neither batch is large enough to take advantage of bulk mail rates. To save money and reduce waste, the church will now only send one type of offering envelope to all members who receive them. All offering envelopes will now be marked by weeks. If you have previously used a monthly envelope, you may use any of the weekly envelopes instead and discard the rest. If you no longer want to receive any offering envelopes, please send an email to Tina Boles, Church Administrator.
 
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Special Speaker and Brownbag Lunch

Topeka First UMC members and friends are invited to hear Imam Omar Hazim, leader of the Topeka Islamic Mosque, speak on the Islamic faith on Wednesday, February 8, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., in the Celebration Room.  Sponsored by Hannah Circle of United Methodist Women. Bring your own brownbag lunch. Hot and cold beverages provided.

UMW Legislative Conference

The Great Plains United Methodist Women holds an annual event--LEAF-- that educates and engages members of the faith community on issues that are being addressed within the state legislatures.

Our church is hosting the LEAF conference (Legislative Event for Advocacy of Faith) on  Sunday evening, Feb. 12, 6:20-8:30, and Monday, Feb. 13, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.  This year's theme is "Seeking Justice," based on Micah 6:8.

Anyone is welcome to attend Sunday evening, when a free will offering will be taken. Rep. Sen. McGinn and Dem. Rep. Ward will give an update of legislative issues. The keynote speaker, Sarah Oglesby-Dunegan, will present "Healing a Culture of Violence: Justice as a Spritual Practice." A worship service will conclude the evening.

Registration is needed to attend Monday's events. This can be done for $30 online at  www.greatplainsumc.org/umw or at the door for $35.  Events include a worship service, keynote speaker, panel discussion, lunch, and attendance at two workshops from a choice of 12. You are encouraged to visit with your legislators during lunch.
 
Grow Bold, Not Old--Technology Training Morning
 
Save the Date! On Tuesday, February, 21st, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., join us for w orkshops that will bring you up-to-date with the technology our church uses to keep our members connected, as well as social media outlets (like Facebook) that can help you connect with you family, friends, and church community. The workshops will be followed by a light lunch for $5.

All who register by 3 p.m. Friday, February 17th will be entered into a drawing for a Kindle Fire.  You may email Tiwana or sign up on the Senior Adult Board in the Celebration Room to register.  Also feel free to email any questions regarding church and technology.

Scout Sunday

Scout Sunday is coming up! We will celebrate Scout Sunday on February 5. Our Venture Crew will lead this event, but want to include any Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Venturers, or 4-H-ers associated with the church. If you know of a youth or adult leader who would like to participate, let Randall Hodgkinson know as soon as possible: the name of your youth, the program he or she in which he or she participates, and which services you typically attend. Thanks!

serve
WAFFLE Sends Valentines to Troops

The fourth grade girls in WAFFLE (our ministry at State Street Elementary) made a box filled with candy, trail mix, homemade cookies and valentines to send to soldiers from Ft. Campbell currently stationed in Afghanistan. The girls learned about the the commanding officer who will receive the box, and about his wife a small children. We talked about what soldiers give up when they are deployed, and the sacrifices their families make by going months without seeing their dad or mom.

Support Washburn Campus Ministry with a Meal

On Thursday nights at 6 p.m., Washburn's campus ministry provides a hot meal for students at the campus ministry house (17th & Boswell). They are looking for church groups to provide a meal on a Thursday night this spring--can you help? The meal should be for about 30 students. There are some vegetarians, as well as some who can't eat beef. The meal should be delievered and ready to serve by 6 p.m. Plates, napkins, silverware, and cups will be provided by the ministry. Rev. Cherie Baker, Washburn's campus minister, would be happy to answer any questions that you have about your group participating. To ask questions or to sign-up for a week, you can email Cherie. Thanks for considering this opportunity to serve!
February Mission Focus
Help our Missions Team support our Strategic Missions Partners with two collections in February. Bring donations to the receptacle in the Celebration Room.
  • Topeka North Outreach: Personal hygiene items, like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant etc.
  • Topeka Rescue Mission: Pasta and pasta sauce

Dillons Community Rewards Pays Off

The 44 households of our church who used their Dillons Plus Shopp er's Cards between October 2016 and December 2016 have contributed $327.88 to the church just by signing up for Community Rewards. Visit their website if you would like to register your Dillon's card for Community Rewards.
 
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THE YOUTH SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY TAKE- OUT IS HERE
  • Sunday, February 5th
  • Time: 9 thru the Noon Hour
  • Where: Celebration Room
  • What: $5 will get you:
    • Bowl of Soup or Mac-n-Cheese
    • Crackers
    • Cinnamon Roll
  • There will be a variety of soup and we will sell until we run out. All proceeds help youth with the Baton Rouge Flood Relief Mission Trip this summer.
SUMMER MISSION to BATON ROUGE to Help with Flood Relief
This trip is for youth, their parents, our college students and members who are interested in taking this mission trip.  PLEASE SIGN-UP at the Youth Board in the Celebration Room within the next two weeks if you plan to make this trip on June 18th-23rd.



youth
Why were all of these youth at bongo try-outs? You will just have to come to
Youth Sunday on February 12th to see how all of this turns out. Youth have  been working hard to create a wonderful Youth Sunday.

youth










I wonder what these five have been up to for Youth Sunday?










youth




I wonder what these five are doing for Youth Sunday?







youth





Youth take a break from Youth Sunday planning to have some tacos.










youth
We want to say thanks to Mallory Lutz for sharing about her time abroad over winter break. We felt like we were there, too, with her wonderful pictures and talk.



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