A Weekly Newsletter of The First United Methodist Church
Thursday, October 19

Sunday Worship
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1: 1-10
Message: Rev. Dr. Mark A. Fowler
Music:  Handbell Choir, Chamber Choir at 9 a.m., 
Bells and Keys, Quadrilateral Quartet at 11:15 a.m.
 
Worship: 9 a.m. & 11:15 a.m., Sanctuary
Coffee Fellowship: 
8:30 a.m.-11 a.m. (Fellowship Hall);
11 a.m.-Noon (Narthex)
Christian Formation Opportunities
Sunday, October 22, 10:15 a.m.

Children's Sunday School
Lower Level Classrooms
Children age 3 - Grade 5

Youth Sunday School
Lower Level Classrooms
Middle School and High School Youth

Adult Study: Protestants
Led by Rev. Dr. Mark A. Fowler
Fellowship Hall
 
Adult Study: Theology for the 21st Century
Begin new book October 15
New Sunday Adult Education Class: 
The Protestants
Sundays, October 22 
- November 12
10:15 a.m., Chapel
Led by Rev. Dr. Mark A. Fowler 

October 31 is the 500th anniversary of the advent of the Protestant Reformation. Rev. Fowler will lead a romp through a sweeping encounter with the Reformation and its impact on the life of the world. 
Play Sunday with "Bells and Keys"
Sunday, October 22, 10:15 a.m., Sanctuary

First Church's newest handbell ensemble will rehearse this Sunday between services and will play during the second worship service. Bells and Keys plays for worship just once a month at the second service. If you've played handbells before you are very welcome. If you have always wanted to play handbells, we will have teachers/helpers on hand to help you. Some experience reading music is helpful. Last month we enjoyed good fellowship while we prepared pieces to play. As one of our ringers has said, "Playing bells warms my soul." It's a very satisfying experience. Please come and try us out!
"What the Wesleys Knew"
Rev. Fred Day, General Secretary UM Commission on Archives and History

Once we experience God's love in our life, the love can't help but flow from us to the rest of the world. The Wesleys' theology was founded in love and inclusion. We can offer the world a new way of living.
Young Adults: 
New Thursday Deep Study Beginning
Thursdays, November 2 - December 7, 7 p.m., 
Chapel Lounge

Explore a topic in depth while connecting with others. Our next six-week small group for young adults will study Marcus Borg's book, Jesus: The Life, Teachings, and Relevance of a Religious Revolutionary. How close is our understanding of Jesus to the person who is actually portrayed in the Gospels? What is his story in the context of the culture and time in which he lived? What implications does this have for our life? Be a part of this journey to explore these ideas together. Sign up by contacting Seth Schroerlucke or stop by the table in the Octagon Sunday morning. 
Greg Zelek Organ Recital
Tuesday, November 14, 7 p.m., Sanctuary

The Principal Organist of the Madison Symphony Orchestra and Curator of the Overture Concert Organ and Series, Greg Zelek, will present a free public organ recital at First Church. The evening's program will include works by Bach, Mendelssohn and Guilmant. A reception will follow the recital in Fellowship Hall, where you can share thoughts about the program and meet the artist. This recital is part of the 180th  anniversary celebration of First Church as well as the 25th  anniversary of its Austin organ.
The Christian Family: 
This Could Be Fun
Sunday, November 5, 
4:30-6:15 p.m., FUMC
Managing Stress, Finding Peace

Parents, take part in an interactive class led by Wellness Coach Paul Riehemann, where you will learn about tools to help navigate between values and obligations. At the same time, children and youth will be participating in a yoga-based mindfulness activity led by Yoga for Good instructor Meg Miller. Afterward enjoy dinner together in Fellowship Hall (freewill offering).
2018 Habitat Build in El Salvador

Join the Habitat for Humanity of Dane County's trip to western El Salvador to build Habitat homes January 20-28, 2018.  The trip cost will be about $2,000, all inclusive. For more information or to register for the trip, contact the trip leader, Catherine Haberland or 608-213-6516. Deadline is October 20. The 2018 team will be working in the same region in El Salvador where First Church has helped construct Habitat homes.
Copies of "The Last Supper Revised" Available

Last summer, Artist Char DeVos and Pastor Mark Fowler led a class exploring the scripture that prompted Char's representation of the Last Supper. Copies of this original artwork are now available in several sizes and finishes. For details, contact Char.
Announcements
Young Adults: Nature Walk and Bonfire
Saturday, October 21, 2 p.m.
Lake Farm County Park
Join us for a nature walk among the fall colors and a bonfire at Lake Farm County Park. Meet at Lewis Nine Springs E-Way on Moorland Rd.For more info contact Breanna Illéné at 715-864-2638 and check out the Facebook event.
Young Adult Discussion Group
Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Barriques (127 W. Washington Ave.)
Talk about faith, current issues, and what we can do.
Contact Breanna Illéné >  or call 608-338-0545
Film Screening: "Food Evolution"
Tuesday, October 24, 6:30 p.m., UW Union South
This documentary examines the relationship between genetically modified organisms and food. 
QPR/Suicide Prevention Training
Thursday, October 26, Noon-1:30 p.m., Room 208
Learn QPR/suicide prevention techniques. Free, no registration required. Please feel free to bring your own lunch with you.
Spouses Now Alone
Tuesday, October 31, Noon, Imperial Garden, Middleton
Join us for lunch and fellowship. Please email Jim Ostrander or call him at 608-338-0268 by October 30 if you plan to attend.
United Methodist Women Day of Enrichment
Saturday, November 11, 9:15 a.m., Portage UMC
This year's theme is "Enrichment: Encounters with God and Neighbor." Register by November 3.
Call for Knitters
This year during Advent the UMW will once again be collecting new or handmade caps, gloves, mittens and scarves to give to Northcott Neighborhood House in Milwaukee, a United Methodist agency. So please dust off those knitting or crocheting patterns or look for sales in the stores of this much needed cold weather clothing. Thank you!
Carrie Newcomer/Parker Palmer Concert:
Hope, Hard Times, and the Human Possibility
Friday, November 10, 7:30 p.m.,  FUMC
An evening of song and spoken word in a concert to benefit Madison/Dane County Courage to Teach.
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203 Wisconsin Avenue
Madison, WI 53703
608-256-9061