Holy Week

Holy Week is here. Our youth will lead the Maundy Thursday service tonight and our laity will lead our Good Friday service. Both are at 6 p.m. and take place in the Sanctuary. Childcare is available.

We look forward to these services, and of course, our Easter services on Sunday! We encourage you to invite someone to any or all of these services. You never know. It might be the invitation they've been hoping for.

Easter Egg Hunt

Rain or shine, our annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place at 10 a.m. this Saturday! In the event of rain, the hunts will move inside.

Parents' Night Out

Every parent needs a break from time to time! Let our childcare staff take care of your children while you enjoy a date night or just time to yourself. Our next Parents' Night Out is scheduled for Friday, April 10, from 6-10 p.m. Please give your child dinner before dropping off, but snacks will be provided.

Register now!

Jim Due Scholarship

Applications are now open for the Jim Due Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship honors the life and legacy of Jim Due by supporting students who have been active in the life of our church and who demonstrate a commitment to faith, service, and leadership. Each scholarship awarded is $2,000, distributed as $1,000 per semester, to help support students as they continue their education.

Who Can Apply: Graduating high school seniors who are church members and/or actively involved in the ministries of our church.

Application Details: Applications are available through the link below and in the church office. Completed applications must be submitted by April 23rd.

Neurodivergent Ministry

This new ministry of our church will host an informative session at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 19.

Across Saline County, an estimated 1,800–2,000 children are neurodivergent — autistic,

ADHD, dyslexic, anxious, gifted, or otherwise uniquely wired. Many of their families long for a

church where they can worship without fear of judgment or sensory overwhelm.

Benton FUMC is launching Beloved & Wired, a neurodiversity affirming ministry designed to create a safe, predictable, and welcoming environment for every child and every family.

A key part of this ministry is our Buddy System — trained volunteers who accompany

neurodivergent children during worship and Sunday School. Buddies offer gentle support,

sensory tools, and a calm presence so families can worship with peace and confidence.

For many parents, this may be the first time in years they can sit through a full service knowing

their child is safe, understood, and celebrated.

Every brain belongs. Every family matters. Families and Buddy volunteers are encouraged to attend this meeting as your input is greatly needed. The meeting will take place in the Fellowship Hall.

4th Grade Night

All fourth-graders are invited to Youth Group on Sunday, April 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. for fellowship, worship and fun! This is an opportunity for these rising fifth-graders to hang with the youth and learn more about all of their activities. In our church, students transition to the Bridge Youth Group in grades 5-7.

Monday Night Volunteers Needed

Monday Night Meal is in need of more volunteers to help serve our meal. Volunteers are on a rotating schedule. Servers are needed for about an hour and a half every six weeks. Can’t help on a Monday night? We’re also looking for a few volunteers to help with behind the scenes duties. Please contact Lauren Carroll or email thereallaurenc@gmail.com

Vacation Bible School

Plans are in the works for this summer's Vacation Bible School that will take place from 9 a.m. to noon each day – Monday, June 22, to Thursday, June 25. The theme is "Rainforest Falls - Exploring the Nature of God."

Volunteers are needed! Contact Julie Crockett at julie.crockett@fumcbenton.org for more information.

Food Pantry Item of the Month

The Food Pantry is collecting pudding (no chocolate, please). You can drop off your donations in the church office. We appreciate your contributions!

Nametags

We encourage you to get into the habit of wearing your name tags to help everyone get to know one another better. If you need one, please let Terri Wright know by emailing her at terri.wright@fumcbenton.org.