| |
News From
July 19, 2017
For the good of the city
... Jeremiah 29:7
|
|
| |
Church Office:
785-233-8100
|
|
|
Church Activity Communications Request
|
|
Do you have information about a church activity you'd like to share?
|
|
|
|
|
| Resubscribe to our mailing list. |
|
|
|
|
Coming Up Soon:
- Wednesday, July 19
- 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. Family Splash Night, Playground
- Thursday, July 20
- 11:30 a.m. Nickel-A-Cup, McFarland's Restaurant
- Sunday, July 23
- 8:15 a.m. Arise Worship Service, Chapel
- 9:00 a.m. Coffee Connection, Celebration Room
- 9:30 a.m.
- 9-3-0 Worship Service, Chapel
- Children's Sunday School, dismissed to Children's Area from 9-3-0 Service
- Youth Sunday School, Fellowship Hall Kitchen
- Celtic Spirituality Summer Symposium, Fellowship Hall
- 10:15 a.m. Fiber Arts Committee, Hearth Room
- 10:30 a.m. Coffee Connection, Celebration Room
- 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary Worship Service
- 3:00 p.m. Youth Serve Sweet Pie A La Mode, Aldersgate Village
- Tuesday, July 25
- 9:00 a.m. Quilting Group, Rm L35
- 6:00 p.m. Missions Team, Celebration Room
- Wednesday, July 26
- 11:30 a.m.
- Neighborhood Lunch, Celebration Room
- Phase 2 Meeting, Hearth Room
- 5:00 p.m. Praise Team Rehearsal, Chapel
- 5:15 p.m.
- Board of Trustees, Hearth Room
- Phase 2 Yoga, Fellowship Hall
- 5:30 p.m. Connection Team, Yak N Yarn in Fairlawn Plaza Mall
- 6:30 p.m. Venture Crew Meeting, Rm L36
- Thursday, July 27
- 2:00 p.m. Shepherd's Center Line Dancing, Fellowship Hall
|
Summer Office Hours
The church office is now open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are closed on Fridays.
|
 Prayer Covenant Churches
The Topeka District of the Great Plains Conference has arranged a covenant calendar to ensure all churches in our connection are held in prayer by the others. We will pray for a different church each week. Check this newsletter each week for our next prayer covenant church join us in prayer for them, as another church prays for us.
Prayer Covenant Church for the week:
Kansas Ave. UMC (Topeka)
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
Find this sparkling window installed near the History Wall in our Mulvane Building.
|
Harder Memorial Window
This window honors the memory of The Rev. Dr. Robert C. Harder. It was purchased with memorial funds from the former East Topeka United Methodist Church after that church was decommissioned and the building demolished.
Dr. Harder and the East Topeka church had am intertwined relationship that spanned from 1958 to 1961 and beyond. During that time, he served as their pastor and began many of their community outreach programs, including a partnership with East Topeka Junior High School.
Dr. Harder became a member of the Kansas State Legislature and was the guiding force in creating the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services. Later, he served as Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
He continued as an ordained Methodist pastor and filled pulpits in the Kansas East Conference, especially at our church, Topeka First United Methodist.
Dr. Harder was a dedicated teacher and member of the Keystone Sunday School class, and served on various boards and committees within Topeka First. In all this, he never forgot his ties to the church in East Topeka.
It is fitting to have this window installed here in memory of Dr. Harder and as a reminder of the East Topeka United Methodist church. In the early 1880's, Topeka First helped start the East Topeka church by offering pastoral support, providing funds for the building and furnishings, and, most significantly, encouraging members of the Topeka First congregation to transfer their membership to the new church as a starter congregation. The church was originally called Parkdale Methodist Episcopal Church, to be later named East Topeka Methodist.
There are more stories and connections with Dr. Harder, this window, and the two churches. These stories and details will be written later with a story in our newsletter and more permanent signage near the window.
|
Window Dedication
Please join the Harder Family and the Memorials Committee for a ceremony to dedicate the Harder Memorial Window at
2 p.m. on Sunday, July 30
in the Mulvane Building Hallway, followed by a reception in the Celebration Room. All friends and members of our church and community, and former members of East Topeka UMC, are invited.
|
Summary of Annual Conference
Thank you to our Lay Delegates, Erin Corbin and Doris Wills, for representing Topeka First United Methodist Church at the Great Plains Annual Conference in June. Here are the highlights of the session:
- Our Conference has faced some difficult realities from 2012-2016:
- 45 congregations closed during that time.
- We have seen a 10% decrease in worship attendance.
- We have seen a 5% decrease in membership in local churches.
-
- Our churches have experienced a 33% decrease in number of small groups.
But here is the SIGN OF HOPE - 89% OF CONGREGATIONS MET THEIR MISSION SHARES AT 100%!
- Conference Office:
- For the most efficient use of resources, consolidation of three conference offices into one was selected by a vote. Topeka was chosen as the central location for the Great Plains office and home of the bishop.This was based on the recommendations of two consulting agencies. A vote was taken and Topeka was chosen.
- Bishop Saenz recommended the following areas of focus:
- As a conference, moving forward in unity and purpose
- Putting more energy into reaching the unchurched
- Increasing the number of small groups
- Praying for the Way Forward Commission.
|
Senior Summer Caravan
Arrangements have been made for our members to tour some of the local retirement communities this summer. We will take a tour, then enjoy a complimentary lunch in their dining areas. There will not be a sales pitch. This is just a time to look around and gain information. Here is the next available tour:
-
Thursday, August 10th
:
11:30 a.m. Thornton Place Senior Apartments
|
|
|
|
A Community of Boomers |
Upcoming Phase 2 Activities
Movie and Dinner
Boomers, join Phase 2 on the evening of Sunday, July 30th
for a movie, followed by dinner at the home of Chuck Wilson and Carol Sprague. Watch for more details in this newsletter as we get closer to the date.
|
 All-Church Royals Game #2
We need to fill 20 more seats on the bus! Join in the fun and bring a friend to board an Arrow Bus for our next All-Church Royals outing on
August 3rd
. The cost is $47 per person, which includes bus fare, game ticket, and tip for the driver. We will board the bus in the church parking lot at 4:45 and plan to leave by 5 p.m. Be sure to
sign up on our online Church Connection Portal
or on your bulletin tear-off this Sunday.
Many Topeka First UMC friends enjoyed fellowship at the June 8th ball game.
|
All Church Ice Cream Social
Bring a friend to our annual All Church Ice Cream Social on
August 13th at 6 p.m. at Sports Center
(6545 SW 10th Street)!
You're welcome just to enjoy the homemade ice cream or join in for Putt-Putt and Go-Karts. You may purchase discount activity passes in the Celebration Room on August 6th and 13th (no passes will be for sale at the social, though you can purchase full-price tickets from Sports Center).
We LOVE eating ice cream but need some to serve, so please consider signing up to bring a gallon or two. You can sign up on our Church Connection Portal or on the bulletin tear off. (Sign-up is for making ice cream only--no need to R.S.V.P. to attend.) The flavor choice is yours! If you need an ice cream maker, you may borrow one from the church.
This is a great event to invite your friends, co-workers, and neighbors to!
|
 Summer Fun Save-the-Dates
Circle these dates on your calendar and plan to enjoy these summer activities with your church family:
- TONIGHT!
- 6-7:30 p.m. Children's Ministry Water Fun Night at church
- August 3rd
- 7:15 p.m. Royals Game with travel by Arrow Bus
- August 13th
- Backpack and Lesson Plan blessing during all worship services
- Ice Cream Social at the Sports Center in the evening
|
|
In Worship This Week:
Scripture:
Message:
Beauty and the Beast: Sacrificial Love
Rev. Jeff Clinger, Lead Pastor
Special Music:
At 11 a.m.
only, Maggie Shermoen
, who plays Belle in Topeka Civic Theatre's production ofBeauty and the Beast, will sing a song from the stage production as our offertory.
We are also blessed all summer to have members of our congregation offering special music. We are grateful they share their gifts to lift our hearts in worship!
|
|
Summer Sunday Symposiums
This summer, there will be speakers at the
9:30 hour in Fellowship Hall on featured Sunday mornings. As most adult classes take a break for the summer, this is a time to reconnect in fellowship and learning.
July 23rd
Rev. Sandy Vogel will share her experiences and the history of Celtic Spirituality
when she presents learnings and photographs from her 2016 and 2017 visits to Wales and Scotland. In addition to giving a brief historical background of Celtic people, she will describe how they easily became Christianized and how Celtic spirituality has influenced her own faith practices.
July 30th
Join us as we hear about the adventures of our youth from their mission trip to Baton Rouge, where they served that community for a week. Treats will be served!
|
CHAMPSS Orientation and Sign Up Event for Senior Adults
On August 7th and 10:30 a.m.
, come to the Bishop Frank Forum (Rm 105) for an orientation for CHAMPSS (Choosing Healthy Appetizing Meal Plan Solutions for Seniors). You will learn about this program, designed for senior adults 60 years and older, and have the opportunity to sign up. There will be a light lunch served (free will offering accepted). Please sign up on our Church Connection Portal or on your bulletin tear-off this Sunday.
Offered through the Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging, this program allows seniors age 60 and older to choose from different entrees and eat at their convenience seven days a week at CHAMPSS locations throughout our three county area. There is a suggested donation of $3 per meal, and participants must attend an orientation to enroll in the program. Participants say they enjoy the flexibility offered through this program, as well as the opportunity to be around people of all ages.
This program allows for one meal per day at any of the following places:
- Shawnee County
- Dillon's at 21st and Fairlawn
- Dillon's at 29th and California
- Dillon's at 29th and Urish Rd
- Dillon's at Hwy 24 & Rochester Rd
- Dillon's at 10th and Gage
- Hy-Vee at 2951 SW Wanamaker
- Millennium Café́, at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
- Kanza Café, 2701 SW East Circle Dr. South
This presentation will be your orientation and registration for the program. Donations for meals can be made via cash, check, credit card, and even Vision card.
|
 |
Children's Area Clean-Up
On August 3, 4, and 5, c
ome for an hour or come for a day as we declutter the classrooms and storage areas on the second floor. Jobs will vary from sorting craft supplies to emptying classrooms. This is a great way to support the children of our church. Sign up for a shift to help at the check-in kiosk in the Celebration Room or email
Allison Brewer, Director of Children's Discipleship.
|
 Dillons Community Rewards
Thanks to our 42 households that have signed up for Dillons Community Rewards, we have earned $304.09 this quarter in contributions for our Urban Ministry Fund!
|
 Missions Collection for July
For the month of July, we will collect school supplies to help the 600 children served by our strategic missions partner, Topeka North Outreach. You may bring your donations to the Celebration Room through the end of the month.
Needed school supplies:
- Backpacks
- 3 Ring Binder (1 or 1.5 in) NO ZIPPERS
- Notebook Filler Paper (Wide & College)
- Spiral Notebooks 70 pgs. (College & Wide)
- Composition Notebooks or Graph Paper
- Pencil Pouch
- Notebook Filler Paper (Wide & College)
- Pencils (#2)
- Notecards (3x5 lined)
- Pens (Black, Blue, and Red)
- Folders: Green, Red & Blue (without brads)
- Dividers (5 tab)
- Colored Pencils (12 ct. pkg.)
- Pointed & Blunt Scissors
- Hi-Lighters (yellow)
- Dry Erase Markers (Black)
- Colored Markers (large classic, washable, thick)
- Glue Sticks
- Erasers (large pink)
- Ruler (12" standard)
- Kleenex (large box)
- Hand Sanitizer
- Antibacterial Wipes
|
 |
Friendship First
A team will gather after 11 a.m. worship on July 30th (around noon) to address ways to best welcome and support individuals with disabilities in Children's Discipleship. Please contact Allison if you would like to be a part of this important ministry.
|
Family Splash Night TONIGHT
TONIGHT from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., join Children's Ministry for a night of water activities on the church playground. Come ready to get wet and have fun, and bring your lawn chairs. We will provide snacks, and an indoor activity is planned in case of inclement weather.
Email Allison Brewer with any questions.
|
Worship Readiness for Children
Worship Readiness is a new class that we offer during
11 a.m. worship. This class is designed for children ages 3-8 whose parents choose for them an alternative to staying through the entire worship service. Children of all ages are always welcome in worship. This class will use hands-on activities and child-friendly discussion to help children learn about the elements of worship and spiritual practices. We invite children to start worship with their parents to experience the prayer, hymns, and scripture as a family. Then they will be dismissed to the back of the Sanctuary. The Worship Readiness leaders will guide the children to their class. You can pick up your children in the classroom next to the nursery following worship.
Please contact Allison Brewer with any questions or if you are interested in volunteering with this class.
|
 |
Youth Events for Sunday, July 23rd
- 9:30 a.m. Youth Sunday School in Fellowship Hall Kitchen. Come find out how to deal with the monsters in your lives and do a little baking with our Interns.
- 3-4 p.m. YOUTH Sweet Pie a la mode at Aldersgate Village, 7220 SW Asbury (1st left past 29th & Urish Dillons, flag building)
EXCITING things are happening in Youth Ministry:
Errick Guzman received a college scholarship from the United Methodist Conference, Emma Turner and Xianne Williams are attending the Summit Youth Academy at Southwestern University starting next Sunday, and Maggie Turner is a new trainee in the OKC Ballet Company. Over the summer, youth have been serving as sound booth operators, communion stewards, liturgists. We have a lot more changes coming, as the youth room is moving and the Youth Director's office is becoming the nursery. You will see more info to come on this in the next couple of weeks. God is on the move for sure in Youth Ministry.
~~~~~~~YOUTH BATON ROUGE MISSION TRIP PRESENTATION~~~~~~~
- Sunday, July 30th in Fellowship Hall at 9:30 a.m.
- For all who want to see what happened during the youth's week in Baton Rouge
- Will be serving Beignets, hot cocoa, and coffee
YOUTH-Sign up for the MAIN EVENT in Olathe at the Youth Table A.S.A.P.
- When is this: Sunday, August 6th, leaving at 4:45 p.m. from the church and returning around 9:15 p.m.
- Cost: $10 each
- What is this: Bowling, Gravity Ropes, Laser Tag, Arcades, Billiards, and Food
- Includes: Bowling Shoes, 1 hour of Bowling, 1 hour of Laser tag or Ropes, 2 slices of pizza, a drink, and a $10 Fun Card to play arcade games. Friends are welcome.
- YOU MUST SIGN UP AT THE YOUTH TABLE so we have enough seating for traveling.
COLLEGE STUDENTS:
As you start to receive or have received your new college addresses, please
visit the Youth Table in the Celebration Room and grab a form to sign up for College Care Packages. Return them to Ruth after you have filled them out.
Youth Pool Party last Sunday was a wonderful afternoon of Fellowship, Food, and
Sno Cones. Thank you to Will Naeger, Kira Williams, Mark Smith, and Dori
Murphy for helping with this event.
Emma & Xianne are commissioned in worship as they plan to attend the Summit
Youth Academy at Southwestern University next week.
|
|
Want to get our weekly updates?
Email Tina Boles to sign up!
If you wish to stop receiving this newsletter, please
email Tina Boles
to unsubscribe. Please do not click the Unsubscribe button below, as it will not update our records.
If you used to receive our newsletter, but have stopped receiving them, please click the "Join Our Mailing List" button at the top of the page or below to resubscribe.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
