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News From
May 17, 2017
For the good of the city
... Jeremiah 29:7
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Church Office:
785-233-8100
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Church Activity Communications Request
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Coming Up Soon:
- Wednesday, May 17
- 11:30 a.m. Nickel-A-Cup, McFarland's Restaurant
- 5:00 p.m. Praise Team Rehearsal, Chapel
- 5:15 p.m. Phase 2 Yoga, Fellowship Hall
- 6:00 p.m.
- New Vibrations Rehearsal, Rm L17
- VBS Meeting
- Thursday, May 18
- 11:30 a.m. Nickel-A-Cup, McFarland's Restaurant
- 6:00 p.m. Rhapsody Ringers Rehearsal, Rm L17
- Friday, May 19
- 8:00 a.m. WAFFLE, State Street Elementary
- Sunday, May 21: High School Senior Sunday
- 8:15 a.m. Arise Worship Service, Chapel
- 9:00 a.m.
- Coffee Connection, Celebration Room
- Youth Sunday School, Youth Room
- 9:30 a.m.
- 9-3-0 Worship Service, Celebration Room
- Sunday School for Children & Adults
- 10:30 a.m.
- Coffee Connection, Celebration Room
- Reception for High School Graduates, Celebration Room
- 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary Worship Service, High School Graduates Recognized
- 12:00 p.m. Children's Ministry Team Meeting, Rm 105
- Tuesday, May 23
- 9:00 a.m. Quilting Group, Rm L35
- 11:00 a.m. Funeral for Carl Delcour, Chapel
- 5:15 p.m. Phase 2 After Hours, Terry's Grill
- 6:00 p.m. Missions Team Meeting, Celebration Room
- Wednesday, May 24
- 11:30 a.m. Phase 2 Meeting, Hearth Room
- 5:00 p.m. Praise Team Rehearsal, Chapel
- 5:15 p.m.
- Board of Trustees Meeting, Hearth Room
- Phase 2 Yoga, Fellowship Hall
- 6:30 p.m. Venture Crew Meeting, Rm L36
- Thursday, May 25
- 2:00 p.m. Shepherd's Center Line Dancing, Fellowship Hall
- 7:00 p.m. VBS Meeting, Rm 106
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In Worship This Week:
Scripture:
Philippians 1:3-11 and Acts 16:11-34
Message:
The Beloved Community
Rev. Jeff Clinger, Lead Pastor
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 Graduation Recognition This Sunday
Please join us this
Sunday, May 21st, at 10:30 a.m.
in the Celebration Room for a reception honoring the high school graduates from our church. It has been our joy to support them as they grew in faith and wisdom, and now it is our joy to send them out into the world. Come offer your congratulations and let them know we are still their church family, here to encourage and pray for them, as they begin their lives as adults. Then join us in the Sanctuary worship service at 11 a.m. for our graduate recognition.
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Worship Enhancements Update
There has been planning and gathering of additional information, so that we can implement the Worship Enhancements that everyone has given financial gifts to make happen for Topeka First UMC. It may feel like a slow start, but we want to make sure that we get the right equipment for the technology upgrades.
A committee has been formed to finalize the technology upgrades. The committee is currently having conversations with other congregation members who will be interfacing and using the new technology, so that the new equipment purchased is the right equipment. The committee is also in the process of setting up interviews with companies and other churches, which have the technology we are considering for purchase. Our current plan is doing our best to have the new equipment installed and operating in as soon as 12 months, but in no longer than 18 months from now.
The hand bells will be shipped in a few weeks to have the refurbishment completed over the next three months.
The reactioning of the organ will begin this summer. The reactioning process will occur in numerous phases over the next several years to limit the number of pipes which will be out of service at any one time. The upgrade of the pneumatic controls to digital controls is scheduled to occur immediately following Christmas, 2017, with the hope to be completed by Easter, 2018. We are currently finalizing the contract for the work to be completed.
The Board of Trustees wishes to thank everyone again for their financial gifts, and those who are assisting with their time, to make the Worship Enhancements a reality.
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Senior Summer Caravan
Arrangements have been made to tour some of the local retirement communities this summer. Our first stop is Atria on 6th
Street. We will meet at Atria West on Wednesday, May 31st at 11 a.m. and take a tour, then we will enjoy a complimentary lunch in their dining room. There will be no sales pitch. This is just a time to look around and gain information. June Windscheffel, one of our members who lives at Atria, is excited to be our hostess for lunch. Please sign up by registering on our Church Connection Portal or on your bulletin tear-off.
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A Fellowship of Boomers |
After Hours Social Time for Phase 2
Our next "After Hours" will be at Terry's Grill (522 SW 6th) on
Tuesday, May 23rd at 5:15 p.m.
Phase 2 will supply the appetizers, and beverages are on your own. This is a great time to connect with old friends and while making new friends too!
Pickleball Orientation
Phase 2 will have our first Pickleball Orientation on
Sunday, May 28th at 5:30 p.m.
(Memorial Day weekend). We'll meet at the Pickleball Courts on the south side of Hughes Park (8th & Orleans) and be led by Topeka First UMC members Dawn Wayant, Mike Morrison, and guest USA Pickleball Assn. Ambassador Eldonna Coats. You do NOT need to purchase paddles/balls, as there will be equipment available to use. Just wear comfortable athletic clothes and shoes. Don't worry if you are travelling this holiday weekend and cannot attend; we'll schedule another introduction session later. For those interested, we'll meet after the event for food and refreshments (watch for details). Please sign up on our Church Connection portal.
What is Pickleball? Click here to learn more.
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 Pizza with the Pastor
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 Directory Photo Sessions
Still Available in June
It's been a busy week for directory photos, and by the end of the week over 100 church families will have had their photo taken for our new directory. Although this week is full, there are still dates available on June 3rd, 4th, and 12th. You may go the
online sign up page or call Tiwana in the church office to schedule your time. Each household will receive one 8"x10" portrait and a copy of the directory.
If you bring a canned good item, you will receive a coupon for $5 off any photos you may order. Our church directory photo background is called stone, which may help as you decide your clothing options.
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 All-Church Royals Games
It's almost summer, and that means it's time for a trip to a Royals game!
There are two Royals outings planned for this summer: Thursday, June 8th and Thursday, August 3rd. Both are 7:15 p.m. games.
You may now make your reservation for the June 8th game. The cost is $47 per person, which includes a game ticket, Arrow bus travel, and tip to driver.
The bus will leave the church parking lot at 5 p.m., so plan to board at 4:45. Last year there was a wait-list for tickets, so reserve yours today!
You may reserve your spot by
signing up on our Church Connection portal
or checking the box on your bulletin tear-off.
Contact Tiwana with any questions.
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 Summer Fun Save-the-Dates
This time of year, everyone is busy making their summer plans. We are, too! Circle these dates on your calendar and plan to enjoy these summer activities with your church family:
- June 8th
- 7:15 p.m. Royals Game with travel by Arrow Bus
- June 23rd
- 6-8 p.m. Swim Night at Garfield Aquatic Park
- June 26th-30th
- 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Vacation Bible School
- July 8th
- Beauty and the Beast Movie Night, details TBA
- August 3rd
- 7:15 p.m. Royals Game with travel by Arrow Bus
- August 13th
- Ice Cream Social at the Sports Center
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UMW Serving Our Community
We love to see our members working together for the good of the city! Last Wednesday, May 3, our Hannah UMW Circle brought comfort to the families served by the Ronald McDonald House by preparing a nourishing, home-cooked meal. The impact of simple acts of kindness, like this one, is immeasurable. If you have an idea for reaching out and showing God's love in our city, please know you are empowered to do so. Gather your friends, make your plans, and go out to do the good work. Don't forget to wear your church gear, and let us know how it went! There are so many ways to Connect, Grow, and Serve #forthegoodofthecity.
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Click image to learn more about Forest Park. |
Volunteer Opportunity at Forest Park
Forest Park is in need of summer volunteers, age 14 years and older, to help with their three-week day camp in the heart of Topeka, June 12th-30th. Volunteers will help campers with activities like arts and crafts, reading books, and by assisting with meals. Volunteers must attend two training dates on May 26th and June 2nd. For more information, please contact Forest Park volunteer recruiter, Julie Engel, at 609-214-6300, or
send her an email. You may also contact the Park Office at 785-234-8024.
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 Angels in the Infield
Members and friends of Topeka First United Methodist Church, we need your help to fill a special need in our community.
One of our strategic missions partners, Topeka North Outreach, has reached out to us for help in supporting their Operation Backpack ministry. Operation Backpack provides children with a sack full of food they can take home from school on Fridays. For some children, this is the only food they get when they are not at school.
Summer is rapidly approaching and school will soon be out, but the need for backpack snacks remains urgent. Each sack of backpack snacks costs an average of $3.50 to assemble. It is easier and more cost-efficient for us to donate money than individual snacks, since TNO can purchase food items in bulk. So, for the next two Sundays (May 14th and 21st), we will hold an Angels in the Infield campaign to raise money for Operation Backpack. Our "infield" is our urban ministry area (the inner city of Topeka), and our Angels are YOU!
You will find an envelope inserted in your bulletin each of these Sundays. To become an Angel, we ask that you use this envelope to make a donation of at least $3.50 to sponsor one or more backpack snacks. You may place the envelope in the offering plate. Each Angel will have his or her name put on a baseball, which will go on our Missions Baseball Field in the Celebration Room.
Why Angels? Because you are angelic for helping the children in our community!
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WAFFLE Is Making A Difference
Looking for a fun opportunity to serve and give back to our community? Then, please consider becoming a volunteer for our WAFFLE program at State Street Elementary. WAFFLE stands for Wholesome, Accepting, Fun, Friday, Late-Start Experiences. It is an outreach of Topeka First United Methodist Church in partnership with Oakland United Methodist Church. Our purpose is to meet the needs of working parents by providing morning programming for children on late-start Fridays.
Our volunteers are former teachers, parents, scientists, mathematicians, lawyers, librarians, business leaders, musicians, artists, and pastors, and more. Teachers share their strengths, hobbies, and interest with the students. They complete craft activities, play games, learn music, read and listen to stories, meet and learn about different animals, conduct experiments, perform puppet shows and so much more. We need both people willing to lead a class AND people that prefer to help and provide support.
If you are interested or would like to learn more, please contact Jaena Greenwood at 785-220-8796 or
send her an email.
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May Mission Focus
The Mission Collection item for May is cans of ground coffee for Let's Help. Please bring your donations to the Celebration Room.
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 JEANS IN JUNE
Men's Blue Jeans Mission for Doorstep
Sponsored by Topeka First UMC Men
The need for men's blue jeans at Doorstep is never-ending, as they strive to supply men with this wardrobe staple for work and warmth. The Topeka First UMC men are again sponsoring the mission project, "Jeans in June." Our goal is to build a mountain of jeans in the Celebration Room to help Doorstep meet their clothing needs.
We will begin the month of June with Jeans Day on Sunday, June 4th. All men are invited and encouraged to wear jeans to church, especially that day, to call attention to the project. We will collect jeans throughout the month. All sizes, brands, and conditions are welcome. We will transport the jeans to Doorstep at the end of June. Our focus remains on men's jeans.
You might consider the following options for obtaining jeans for this project:
- Purchase new men's blue jeans
- Purchase used men's blue jeans, available at any number of used-clothing stores, such as Goodwill
- Replace a pair of personal blue jeans and donate the used ones
- Purchase any and all sizes men's blue jeans at private community garage sales
New jeans are welcome and are usually reserved for the Christmas store. Now would be a good time to start checking out the numerous garage sales sprouting up in the community for good deals on jeans.
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Click image for more about Cave Quest! |
Volunteer for VBS and Add Excitement to Your Summer!
Are you looking for a way to add some laughter, fun and excitement to your summer...all while serving your church and community? Are you able to dedicate a few hours of your time to enrich the lives and faith journey of the children of Topeka First United Methodist Church? If you answered yes to these questions, then we want to hear from you!
This summer, the week of June 26-30, Topeka First UMC will hold Vacation Bible School.
The Children's Ministry Team is currently seeking volunteers to help with all aspects of this year's VBS experience for our kids. It will take a lot of people to make this happen, and to make it exciting and memorable. We first ask that you pray....pray for our Children's Ministry Team, about how you might help, for the children, for your friends at church, and that this entire experience will be fun and uplifting for all involved. Pray that this experience will draw each participant and volunteer closer to Jesus.
Click here to view the VBS Volunteer Application. Then read through the information on the form, decide how you might be able to help, and submit your application. You may pick up a paper version of the form from the Children's Ministry check-in table at church, if you prefer.
Please e-mail
Melissa Evans and
Mickey Foster with ANY questions. There are opportunities to volunteer for part or all of the week, or in the months leading up to that week as we make plans and decorations. There are opportunities to lead activities/stations at VBS, or work more with a select group of children as you lead them to their activities/stations. There truly is something for everyone to do! We are thankful for this amazing church family, and know that with your help we can make this a fun and memorable experience for our kids. We can't wait to hear from you!
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Click image to learn more about Cave Quest VBS at Topeka First UMC! |
Coming Soon: Vacation Bible School
June 26-30, 2017, is a week that will truly make your kids summer. At Cave Quest VBS, children will spend
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. playing, creating, learning, and singing with our stellar youth and adult volunteers each day. They will be having so much fun, they won't even notice they haven't had any "screen time" in hours! Our Children's Ministry team is working hard to make VBS an engaging and meaningful experience that will help kids learn to follow Jesus, the Light of the World.
Email Melissa Evans for more information.
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Youth Events for Sunday, May 21st
IT'S HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR SUNDAY! This means cake and punch for the
entire congregation at 10:30 a.m. in the Celebration Room.
Seniors' Picture
Boards will be on display and the High School Seniors will be recognized
in the 11 a.m. worship service in the Sanctuary at the beginning of service.
- 10:10 a.m. High School Seniors arrive in the Celebration Room with caps and gowns for pictures. Refreshment Servers arrive to help.
- 10:30 a.m. Cake and Punch is served
- 11:00 a.m. Seniors are recognized at the beginning of the 11:00 Service. There will be reserved seating for high school seniors, their parents, and family members.
UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS:
- Sunday, May 28th
- 9:30 a.m. No Sunday School for Youth. Attend worship together.
- 9:00 p.m. CHRIST-n-BOWL for all Youth. 6th Graders going into 7th grade will move on up to Youth Group with this event. Friends are welcome! The Strike/Spare Box will be back and one large drink will be provided. It's $10 to cyber bowl until 11:15 p.m. New 7th graders are no charge. Hope to see you all there.
New Upcoming 7th Graders
Look for your invitation in the mail--coming soon--to join Youth Group and details about our summer events.
Youth made sure Mother's Day was filled with wind whirlies and chocolates for mom.
We must say, youth had a lot of fun with the whirlies, too, waiting on each service to get out.
Don't worry dads...we've got you covered for next month.
In celebration of a first Mother's Day.
Throughout the morning, people could write messages to their moms.
Having fun with whirlies, waiting for the end of service.
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