A Weekly Newsletter of The First United Methodist Church
Thursday, February 4
Sunday Worship
Transfiguration Sunday
Holy Communion
Text:  Luke 9:28-43a
Message: Rev. Phil Blackwell
"Light for My Darkness"
Music: Dixieland Band @ 9 a.m.

Worship: 9 a.m., Sanctuary & 10:30 a.m., Chapel
Coffee Fellowship: 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Ash Wednesday Worship
Wednesday, February 10
Sanctuary Open: 11:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
Prayer and reflection.
Worship Service: 7 p.m., Sanctuary 
Prayers, readings, and music from the Chancel Choir.
More on Lead Pastor Announcement

In last Sunday's worship services, our Staff Parish Relations Committee announced that the Rev. Dr. Mark Fowler will become Lead Pastor at First Church in July.  Concurrently, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary shared the information.  We are excited about Mark and his wife, Sue,  joining our congregation!
Lenten Series Book Available for Purchase

Copies of Jim Wallis' new book,  America's Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America are available for purchase at the Information Desk. The book will supplement the "Of One Blood" Wednesday evening Lenten series, but will be helpful for those not able to participate in the Wednesday night series too.
Come to the Mardi Gras
Tuesday, February 9
5:40 - 7:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall

Celebrate Fat Tuesday as a church family at this annual tradition. Enjoy a delicious, all-you-can-eat meal, live music, door prizes, activities for children and more. Tickets available in advance for a "Name Your Price" donation in the Octagon on Sunday or for $12/person at the door. (Children under 13 eat free.) Proceeds support youth missions.
Youth Fruit Sale
Starts Sunday
Sundays, Feb. 7., 14 & 21, Octagon

Mouthwatering citrus fruit is hanging ripe on the trees now. You could be slicing into a fresh grapefruit or peeling a luscious orange by the beginning of March. Order yours now! Cheese and sausage assortments also available. Proceeds benefit local outreach programs.
Share the Love: 
Stuffed Animal Collection
Sunday, February 14

First Kids are collecting stuffed animals for the Madison Police Department to share with children in traumatic situations. Kids can bring NEW stuffed animals to their classes to donate and adults can drop them off in the Narthex on Sunday, February 14.
Wireless Connection Update

It's prudent to change passwords from time-to-time in order to protect against inappropriate access to the wireless connection at FUMC. New signs with the Guest Network Security Key will be posted in the Reception office and conference rooms. The Guest network access is for the convenience of people to use when they are at the church. Thank you for your consideration and help.
Joys & Concerns
Please remember these First Church members and friends in your prayers:  Marcia Grothaus, Dave Steffenson.
Announcements
Grandparents on Call for Valentine's Day Night
Sunday, February 14 @ 5-8 p.m., Fellowship Hall
Enjoy a date night out while your kids enjoy fun games and activities at the church. A group of grandparents, empty-nesters and high school youth will make sure they are well taken care of. Freewill donations to support youth missions will be accepted.
Church Women United Celebrates Human Rights Day
Friday, February 5 @ 9 a.m., St. Paul's AME Church 
(4525 Diamond Drive)
Coffee and fellowship will begin at 9 a.m., followed  by a program, "Conversations about Racial Justice," by Rev. Joseph Baring, Sr. The Human Rights Award will be presented to Emily Auerbach.
Million Pound Challenge
Make your News Year's resolution count twice! Raise money for the FUMC Food Pantry while you exercise. Three hours a week of any kind of exercise - on your own or in a fitness class - counts towards pounds of food donated to our Pantry. There is no cost to participate.
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203 Wisconsin Avenue
Madison, WI 53703
608-256-9061