Last Sunday, it was our joy to welcome two families into our congregation. At the 9:30 service, the Kufahl family officially became members of our church, although you may recognize Ryan and Lindsay Kufahl and their children, Logan and Kinsley, from participating in children's ministry activities and other aspects of our church family's life for the past several years. 

At the 11:00 service, we were happy to welcome the Brungardt family into our family of faith. Paul Brungardt joined with his daughter, Avery, who was also baptized. We look forward to connecting, growing, and serving alongside the whole Brungardt family--Paul, Angie, Avery, and Alex--as they begin their journey of following Christ as a part of our congregation.

Take the time to connect with the Kufahl and Brungardt families as they settle into their new church home. We are glad they have decided to walk with us as we all grow in faith and do all we can for the good of the city.

Ryan, Lindsay, Logan, and Kinsley Kufahl

Paul, Angie, Avery, and Alex Brungardt

 

 

Pastor Jeff invites all to join in a series of intergenerational conversations on how the church can best connect all generations. The next two conversations will take place immediately after the 11 a.m. worship service (around noon) on  April 30th and May 7th. The conversation began last Sunday, April 23rd, but if you missed last week's meeting you are still welcome to come to the next two. Lunch will be provided. Sign up on our Member Access portal or call the church office, 785-233-8100, if you'd like to participate. 

Next Wednesday, May 3rd, the United Methodist Women will meet at 12 p.m. for lunch, fellowship, devotions, and a program. The program this month is titled, "Art in Prayer," and will be presented by Sister Micaela Randolph from Benedictine in Atchison, Kansas. All women in the church are welcome. If you would like more information, call Dorothy at 357-1854. As a reminder for UMW regulars, we will also collect our offering for the children's summer camps.

 

On April 29th, gather in Fellowship Hall at 5:30 p.m. to enjoy a movie and potluck dinner with your church family. The movie, feature documentary Patterns of Evidence: Exodus, will begin at 6:15. Be sure to bring a covered dish to share at the potluck at 5:30. Feel free to bring lawn chairs, pillows, blankets, or anything that would help you feel more comfortable as you watch the movie.

On the Sunday morning after the movie, we invite you to again gather in Fellowship Hall for an open discussion of the movie at either 9:30 or 11:00 a.m.

 Sign up for this event on our Member Access Portal.

 

#Adulting at Topeka First UMC is a group for those in the earlier stages of adulthood--from living on their own for the first time, to landing a "real job," or raising a young family. Ranging from Millennials to Generation X, these youngish adults meet regularly to Connect, Grow, and Serve together. 

The next #Adulting Connect event is a gathering at Tyler and Katie Tenbrink's home:

The Tenbrinks will provide sandwich meat, bread, and drinks. Please bring a side or dessert to share. Depending on weather, we will either go for a walk in the country or play games, so bring a game you'd like to play. Let us know you'd like to come by signing up on the Member Access portal.

 

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. 

You may reserve your spot by signing up on our Member Access portal or checking the box on your bulletin tear-off.  Contact Tiwana with any questions.

 

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

 

If you are graduating from an institution of higher education this spring, let us know! We would like to honor your accomplishment in our graduation bulletin in May. Please send your name as you would like it printed, your degree, and the school from which you are graduating to Jayna McFarland, Publications Coordinator.

 

We need your help to find our new Director of Children's Discipleship. Are you connected with an organization, like a parenting club or a PTO, where there might be someone who is looking for a job working with children? Maybe you know someone with a teaching degree who is looking for something outside of the classroom, or a stay-at-home mom or dad who is looking to go back to work. We invite you to send this link to our job posting to anyone who might be interested, share it on social media, and post it on community message boards for preschools, playgroups, and other organizations where you are a member. We trust that God will provide us with the right person, but we need your help to get the word out!

Parents, save June 26-30 on your summer calendar so your kids can be sure to experience fun and faith-building at Cave Quest VBS! From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., kids will enjoy music, crafts, stories, and even science workshops that will help them learn to follow Jesus, the Light of the World. Email Melissa Evans for more information, or look for more about Cave Quest in future newsletters.

 

VBS is not just for kids--it is a terrific opportunity for all ages in our church family to enjoy a shared experience and fellowship. Connecting, serving, praying, and worshipping together help us to grow and see the fruits of our faith. See the article in the "Serve" section in this newsletter to find out how you can be a part of this all-church event, and the article in the "Children's Ministry" section for more info for parents and kids.

The Missions Committee is excited to announce Topeka First UMC will become a member congregation of the Topeka Justice Unity Ministry Project (Topeka JUMP). The mission of Topeka JUMP is to build people-based power to influence local decision-makers to make thoughtful decisions when they consider policy and funding changes that may unintentionally perpetuate poverty or injustice. 

Topeka First UMC will join the nineteen current Topeka congregation members, which include Grace Cathedral, Lowman UMC, and First Baptist churches. JUMP is funded by corporate sponsors, member congregations, and grants. Current justice issues of focus include education, mental health, affordable housing, and transportation. 

This is an important opportunity for our congregation to participate in ministry which is consistent with our current commitments to Downtown Topeka and mission partners. Further information about Topeka JUMP may be found at their website. 

JUMP's annual conference was on April 25th at Grace Cathedral this year. Topeka First UMC will provide a representative to their board, which meets monthly. All members interested in working with this new ministry should contact Missions Committee co-chairs Jill or Dave Norton.

 

Thank you for the variety of gently used board games collected. These have been shared with the classrooms at State Street Elementary School and will provide good entertainment during indoor recess.

 

The Missions Team is collecting protein bars for Topeka North Outreach through the end of this month. Please bring your donations to the Celebration Room.

The Mission Collection item for May will be cans of ground coffee for Let's Help. Please bring your donations to the Celebration Room.

Congratulations to the 12 students who will receive scholarships from the United Methodist Women for Camp Chippewa this summer. Even if you missed this scholarship opportunity, it is not too late for you to sign up for the camps with the Early-Bird discount. Registration forms for the camps are available at the Children's sign up desk, the Youth table, and the office. The early bird deadline is May 1st. The camps begin on May 31st and fill up fast. Don't miss this fun opportunity! Click here to learn more about Camp Chippewa.

 

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,  and look for more about Cave Quest in future newsletters.

Click here to watch a sneak peek video about Cave Quest.