fume logo vertical
News From

May 3, 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? 

Resubscribe to our mailing list.
Coming Up Soon:  
  • Wednesday, May 3
    • 12:00 p.m. UMW Luncheon, Fellowship Hall
    • 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 Bell Choir, Rm L17
  • Thursday, May 4
    • 8:30 a.m. Senior Adults Coffee & Donuts, Baker's Dozen
    • 5:30 p.m. Lay Leadership Meeting, Hearth Room
    • 6:00 p.m. Rhapsody Ringers Rehearsal, Rm L17
    • 7:30 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
  • Friday, May 5
    • 8:00 a.m. WAFFLE, State Street Elementary
    • 6:00 p.m. "To Kill A Mockingbird" dinner and show at Topeka Civic Theatre
  • Saturday, May 6
    • 5:00 p.m. #Adulting Connect night, Tenbrinks' Home
  • Sunday, May 7
    • 8:00 a.m. Youth Ringers Rehearsal, Rm L 17
    • 8:15 a.m. Arise Worship Service, Chapel
    • 9:00 a.m.
      • Youth Sunday School, Youth Room
      • Coffee Connection, Celebration Room
      • Equal Exchange Sale, 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
      • Equal Exchange Sale, Celebration Room
    • 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary Worship Service
    • 12:00 p.m. Being the Church for All Generations Conversation and Lunch, Fellowship Hall
  • Monday, May 8
    • Life Touch Directory Photos Taken
  • Tuesday, May 9
    • Life Touch Directory Photos Taken
    • Quilting Group, Rm L35
  • Wednesday, May 10
    • Life Touch Directory Photos Taken
    • 9:30 a.m. Priscilla UMW Circle, Hearth Room
    • 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 Meeting, Celebration Room

In Worship This Week:

Scripture:
Genesis 50:15-21

Message:
Forgiveness: The Dreamcoat
Rev. Jeff Clinger, Lead Pastor

FUMC Logo It's All In the Name

You may have noticed changes popping up throughout the church--new logo, new shirts, new focus on certain words and phrases. Over the past couple of years, we have been working to turn our collective attention toward ways we can better reach those outside the walls of our church building. A large part of this is redefining the way we think of ourselves as a congregation. If our mission is truly, "to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world," and the way we do this is to, "Connect, Grow, and Serve" with the intention of doing all we can, "for the good of the city," then we know we cannot let ourselves stagnate. We must lean into our new vision for this church with energy and excitement.

One way we are working to make our church more welcoming and accessible to the unchurched is simplifying our name. Moving forward, we will be intentional about using our full name, Topeka First United Methodist, in all of our communications with the community (advertisements, invitations, etc.). Within the church, we may use the shorter Topeka First UMC (bulletin, newsletter, church reports, etc.). This may not seem like a simpler use of our name, because it is longer than FUMC or First Church. However, this cuts out confusing acronyms and nicknames that can easily confuse us with other churches. Think about it--if you had never been to church, would you know what FUMC means? How many other First Churches are there in Topeka? There are many, but we are the only Topeka First United Methodist Church. We are unique in what we can offer to our community.

Using our full name furthers our mission in other important ways. Every time we say, "Topeka First United Methodist," we are saying, "Topeka First." Sounds a lot like, "for the good of the city," doesn't it? It also connects us to our heritage. We were the first church in Topeka, taking root even before the city was founded to provide the new community a place to connect, grow, and serve as they worshipped together. We are still that church.

Referring to our church as Topeka First United Methodist solidifies our mission and vision in our minds and keeps them at the tips of our tongues. It's hard to loose sight of our values when they are always right in front of us. Keep your eyes open for ways we are making shifts in our language around the church, like our website ( ForTheGoodOfTheCity.org ) and social media (@topekafirstumc on Facebook and Twitter ). To suggest more ways to incorporate this language and our new logo, feel free to contact Publications Coordinator, Jayna McFarland. We appreciate your feedback.

Spring Quarterly Committee Report

It may be hard to believe but Spring is upon us, and not far behind is summer! We experienced a glorious Lenten season--Christ is risen!--and Mother's Day and graduation celebrations are right around the corner. May we all look forward to continued fellowship with our Church Family. 

Our committees and teams have been busy continuing the work of Topeka First UMC to Connect, Grow, and Serve! Please use this link to read the April Quarterly report on the successes of the winter programming, and upcoming activities during the spring/summer. Please pray and consider ways you could help.

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.

 
Conversations on
Being the Church for All Generations


Pastor Jeff invites you to the final conversation on how the church can best connect all generations. This will take place immediately after the 11 a.m. worship service (around noon) this Sunday,  May 7th. 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. 

Phase 2 Pickleball

Phase 2 will have its first Pickleball Orientation on Sunday, May 28th at 5:30 p.m. (Memorial Day weekend). 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 our special 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 traveling 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 more details later.

What is Pickleball? Click here to learn more.

Connect Adulting Connect Night

#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:
  • May 6th
  • 5-7 p.m.
  • 141 Washington St. in Auburn
  • Childcare Provided
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.

 
Directory Pictures Will Be Taken Soon 

The first photography dates of our Church Directory are getting close, and there are still many who have not signed up to get their picture taken. Please take a minute to go to the online sign-up page, or call Tiwana Whitten in the church office today, 785-233-8100, to schedule your time. Each household photographed will receive a free 8x10 portrait. For this directory to be a success, we need your photo! Please plan to be a part of our church family directory and choose a date that best fits your schedule.  Photography dates are May 8-11 and June 1-4.

Fellowship 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.
 
summer_fun.jpg 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
 
graduation_cap.jpg 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. 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.
 
Serve Topeka First UMC Pastor Given Conference Award

Congratulations to Rev. Shawn O'Trimble for receiving the Harry Denman Evangelism Award from the Great Plains Conference. Rev. O'Trimble was nominated for this award for his ministry and mission at Topeka First UMC, Oakland UMC, and Kansas Ave. UMC.  The  Harry Denman Evangelism Awards  honor a United Methodist clergy, youth, and lay person in each annual conference who has exhibited outstanding efforts in Wesleyan evangelism by faithfully carrying out the mission of "making disciples of Jesus Christ."


serve
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.
 
Click icon to learn more about Equal Exchange.
Equal Exchange this Sunday: New Way to Pay!

We have good news for you coffee and chocolate lovers--now you can pay for your favorite fairly traded, organic treats with your debit or credit card! Our church's new card reader will be handy for those who rarely carry cash or checks. You will now be able to pay for bake sale goodies, t-shirt orders, and other items our ministry teams make available with your payment method of choice.

This Sunday, the card reader will make its debut at the Equal Exchange table at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. in the Celebration Room. Of course, we still welcome cash or check. 
 
coffee_vectors.jpg
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.

Missions 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.

 
serve Topeka JUMP Introduction to Topeka First UMC

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.
 
VBS 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!

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

null

Youth Events for Sunday, May 7th
  • 9:00 a.m. 
    • Sunday School
  • 9:30 a.m. 
    • Worship together
  • 10:30 a.m.
    • Baton Rouge Mission Trip Meeting for Youth, parents, and sponsors in the Youth Room
  • 12:15 p.m. 
    • Session 3--the last one--of the Being the Church for All Generations Conversations. Lunch will be served. If you haven't already, please join us for these important conversations. Hope to see you there for this final one.
 
HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
I still just have four out of 13 Senior in the Spotlight Information Sheets. These were due last Sunday, April 30th. Please get these in this weekend or email them to me this week. Thank you.
 
SAVE THE DATES
  • Sunday, May 14th: Mother's Day
    • Youth have 8:50, 10:20, and 11:50 a.m. service projects
  • Sunday, May 21st
    • High School Senior Sunday here at church
  • Sunday May 28th
    • Christ-n-Bowl for all 7-12th Graders. We're bringing the 6th graders on up!



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.

Join Our Mailing List