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News From
May 10, 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 10
- Life Touch Directory Photos Taken
- 12:00 p.m. Hannah UMW Circle, Ronald McDonald House
- 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. New Vibrations Bell Choir, Rm L17
- 6:30 p.m. Venture Crew Meeting, Rm L 36
- Thursday, May 11
- 1:00 p.m. Music Study Group, Rm 101
- 2:00 p.m. Shepherd's Center Line Dancing, Fellowship Hall
- 6:00 p.m. Rhapsody Ringers Rehearsal, Rm L17
- 7:30 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
- Friday, May 12
- 8:00 a.m. WAFFLE, State Street Elementary
- Saturday, May 13
- 7:30 a.m. Men's Ministry Gathering, Cook's American Grill
- Sunday, May 14
- 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
- 9:30 a.m.
- 9-3-0 Worship Service, Chapel
- Sunday School for Children and Adults
- 10:30 a.m. Coffee Connection, Celebration Room
- 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary Worship Service
- 3:30 p.m. Leadership Team, Rm 105
- 5:15 p.m. Staff Parish Relations Committee, Rm 105
- Tuesday, May 16
- 9:00 a.m. Quilting Group, Rm L35
- 12:00 p.m. Downtown Engagement Team Meeting, Celebration Room
- 7:00 p.m. Stephen Ministry Meeting, Hearth Room
- 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
- 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
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In Worship This Week:
Scripture:
Matthew 18:21-22 and Matthew 5:23-24
Message:
Forgiveness: Seventy Times Seven
Rev. Jeff Clinger, Lead Pastor
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Scott, Allison, Charlotte, and Elliott Brewer. Allison is our new Director of Children's Discipleship.
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 Introducing Our New
Director of Children's Discipleship
We are pleased to announce the hire of our new Director of Children's Discipleship. Through the spring, a search team consisting of members of Staff Parish and the Children's Ministry Team reviewed applications, held two rounds of interviews, deliberated, and prayed together. Allison Brewer began on Monday this week and shares the below note as a brief introduction. Please welcome her into this role!
"I am excited to be a part of Topeka First UMC and look forward to working in Children's Discipleship with all of you. I cherish many of the relationships I had as a child growing up in the church and can't wait to get to know the children and families of Topeka First UMC.
We relocated to Topeka last fall after my husband, Scott, took the position as the Great Plains Conference Treasurer. We are enjoying getting to know Topeka and are always open to restaurant, outdoorsy, and kid-friendly recommendations.
We have a 22-month-old, Elliott, and a 4.5-year-old, Charlotte. They keep us busy searching for lizards and running wild in our backyard. They are settling in well to this church family and we look forward to raising them here."
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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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Men's Ministry Updates
- Our Men's Ministry group will hold their next gathering at 7:30 a.m. this Saturday, May 13th, at Cook's American Grill. Come enjoy fellowship over a good breakfast. Contact Roger Underwood if you would like to join them: 785-640-5596.
- Jeans in June begins in a few weeks. Start collecting jeans now to support this clothing drive for Doorstep.
- Thank you to all the men who worked on a Christmas In Action project last month. The group completed several important household repairs and yard work for a neighbor in need.
The Topeka First UMC Men's Ministry group is an excellent way for men in our congregation to Connect, Grow, and Serve together, for the good of the city. Watch for updates in upcoming newsletters for ways you can get involved, or
contact Roger Underwood to learn more.
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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 Member Access Portal or on your bulletin tear-off.
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 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!
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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 from June 1st-4th. 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 Member Access 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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 Spring Graduates of Higher Education
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 on May 21. 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.
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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 14th: Mother's Day
Youth, meet at Ruth's office for a
service project at 8:50, 10:20, and
11:50 a.m.
We will go to worship together a
t 9:30.
High School Senior Sunday is coming up quickly!
Sunday, May 21st is Senior Sunday. Please get your Senior in the Spotlight info into me this week
via email or at the front desk, thank you.
Two of our High School Seniors and their moms served communion last Sunday: Aaron and
Sandra Rak, and Errick and Deanna Guzman
One of our high school youth, Emma Turner,
as liturgist last Sunday.
Youth gearing up to get all their paperwork filled out at last Sunday's Baton Rouge mission trip meeting. They will join two other youth groups from United Methodist Churches from Texas and Georgia on June 18th to start their week helping with flood relief. This is the first year that their fundraising and donations covered all costs, except road trip meals, and they were very happy about that. They were not so happy to find out they will need to leave at 5 a.m. for their road trip, but it's all part of the experience when it comes to mission work.
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