Weekly News
First United Methodist Church of Madison
| | |
Laity Sunday
November 8
9:30am
| | |
Blessed Brass
"A little less ugggh . . . A little more awe"
Kevin Williams (Lay Leader), preaching
Acts 2:1-13, 40-47
| | |
By Mark Heiskanen
The Blessed Brass join us this Laity Sunday morning offering their time and talents to worship with inspired hymn settings and brass arrangements by ensemble founder Dan Woolpert. The service opens with "Prelude and Choral" arranged by Carl Busch based on themes from German Baroque composer Johann Rosenmüller. The Welsh tune "Llwyn Onn" (commonly known as "The Ash Grove") by Katherine Davis is presented in a sprightly setting during the Offertory. Lastly, a collection of songs arranged by Franz Abt and Thomas Moore remind us of this fleeting season of fall in an "Autumn Polonaise Medley" during the Postlude. Read More
| |
Laity Sunday
This Sunday we celebrate Laity Sunday. The United Methodist Church that recognizes and celebrates the ministry of all laypeople. It reminds us that ministry isn't just something pastors do; all of us are called to use our gifts, share our faith, and participate in God's work in the church and in the world.
Our worship service this week has been planned collaboratively by Pastor Cathy, Director of Music Mark, and our Co-Lay Leaders, Gerry Kennedy and Kevin Williams. Kevin will bring the message, drawing from selections in Acts 2 and the story of the early Christian community. Together, we'll reflect on what it means to be a church in which we all have a part to play, sharing our gifts and living out our faith together.
We hope you'll join us as we celebrate the many ways God's people contribute to the life and ministry of First Church!
| |
Sharing Our Journeys: First Foundation
Sunday, 11am, Chapel & Zoom
Board members for First Foundation will share a brief history of the Foundation and discuss why they choose to serve as Foundation Board members. Current Foundation president Krista Tweed will lead the discussion.
▶ Recording from Sunday, November 1
| |
Pick-Up Choir
This Sunday, Nov. 8, 8:45am, Music Room
A Pick-Up Choir opportunity will be offered on Sunday, November 8. Rehearsal 8:45am. in the Music Room. Come and sing with the choir for a morning! All are welcome.
| |
Arts @ First Presents
Awake for Birds Concert
This Sunday, November 8, 2pm, Sanctuary
The Arts @ First Series presents regional neo‑retro‑folk‑fusion duo Awake for Birds for a performance on Sunday, November 8 at 2:00 pm. Henry Alanna and Lizzy Lynch create songs blending heartfelt and funny, soothing and strange. With a decade’s worth of friendship, and a decade’s worth of original songs and covers, Awake for Birds aims to leave you humming, laughing, and thinking a bit more about this world we all share. Admission by donation ($10-$20 suggested.)
| |
Hawthorne Spring Garden Prep
This Saturday, November 7, 9am
This Saturday, November 7, at 9am we're going to gather together to clean up the Hawthorne gardens in preparation for next spring. If you have some time to help out, bring whatever garden tools, gloves and expertise you have available. And if you know of others who'd be willing to join the group, please let them know.
We'll gather in the parking lot off Lexington Avenue at 9:00 to access the gardens next to the school. If you are able to come, please let me know.
| |
Second Harvest Food Bank Work Day
Saturday, November 14, 8:15 – 11:45am
An easy opportunity to impact food insecurity for families in our area is available on Saturday, November 14 at Second Harvest Food Bank. We will meet at Second Harvest, 2802 Dairy Drive, at 8:15am. This opportunity is for people over 12 years of age.
The facility requires closed toe shoes and no tank tops. No heavy lifting is required. Be ready to wear a beautiful blue hair net if our work requires it. The work will be described to us that morning and you will work with other First UMC members. There are 21 spots to fill—please spread the word!
If you would like to participate, you need to register through the Second Harvest volunteer website. Contact Krista Tweed and she can help. Second Harvest prefers volunteers be signed up at least one week in advance of the workday.
| |
Everyone Has a Ministry
“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” 1 Peter 4:10 NRSVUE
Our congregational survey invites us to consider how we can better recognize and make room for everyone’s gifts. The life of the church isn't something that happens only through pastors, staff, or committee leaders. It is something we create together. Each of us brings gifts, experiences, and passions that can strengthen our community and help us live out our mission.
As we celebrate Laity Sunday this week and reflect on our recent stewardship campaign, we are reminded that giving our time, talents, and financial gifts are all ways we participate in God's work. That might mean serving in a ministry, sharing a skill, encouraging someone, welcoming a new person, or bringing an idea to life. There are many ways to serve, and every contribution matters. Each of us has a way to help make our mission possible.
| |
Annual Church Meeting
Sunday, November 22, Chapel
All are invited to participate in our annual Church Conference on Sunday, November 22, at 11am in the Chapel on the second floor. In the United Methodist Church, the Church Conference is an opportunity for the congregation to come together for a time of reflection and celebration in the life and ministry of our congregation. We’ll hear updates, attend to required annual business, and look ahead to the work God is calling us to do together. Rev. Jason Mahnke will preside.
| |
Help Us Deck the Halls!
Sunday, November 22, After Worship
It’s time to bring the joy and beauty of Advent and Christmas to our church. Join us as we put up Christmas trees, hang garland, arrange the Nativity, and add those special finishing touches. If interested, we will meet in the sanctuary after the worship service on Nov. 22. Come enjoy some fellowship as we prepare our church for this beautiful season of hope and joy! ✨ Questions? Contact Jim & Paul
| |
Needle Arts
November 20, 6pm, Fellowship Hall
We are starting a community night series here at FUMC! In an age of high screen time being corelated to poor mental health, it is important to connect face to face with others. This community night series will focus on fellowship and skill learning. It will require your curiosity and willingness to try something new! We are kicking off this series with needle arts! Never tried before? Come join us and learn from one of our needle arts aficionados! Already a pro? Bring your current project and come hang out with us! Open to all ages. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Contact Sydney to confirm your spot!
| | |
One of the things we heard clearly in our recent congregational survey was a desire for more opportunities to form meaningful relationships—to build friendships, share life, and know one another more deeply. We heard that, and we want to begin responding in concrete ways. Read More
| |
Prayer Requests
- For Our Newly Elected Leaders: May God bless our newly elected leaders and guide them to work together for the common good and help build a better world.
- Bruce and Katie H.: Prayers for healing and recovery following hip replacement surgery, and for continued care and support.
- For Those Facing Surgery: Prayers for church members preparing for upcoming surgeries.
- For Healing and Recovery: Prayers for those recovering from surgery or undergoing medical treatment, as well as for their caregivers.
| | Children, Youth & Young Adults | |
Youth Group
Sun., Nov. 8, 5:00-7:30pm, Youth Room
Prepare for a cozy night in! Come in your sweat pants and hoodies! Come in your pajamas! Bring your favorite mug to church for hot cocoa or tea! Sydney is bringing her Nintendo Switch 2! If you have more Switch controllers or multi player games please bring them, and bring your favorite card or board game, bring a craft project you're working on! We're hunkering down and getting oh so cozy! Contact Sydney
|
Elementary Insider
Sun. Nov. 15, 4-5:30pm, Youth Room
Date change! Nov. 15th! We're going to craft and be cozy! Come in your coziest outfit! We will also be painting the J.O.Y letters in the classrooms! Yippie!! Please RSVP to Sydney.
|
Children's Sabbath
Sun. Nov. 15, 9:30am, Sanctuary
In the Methodist lectionary calendar, November 15th is the children's sabbath. We are looking for youth who want to participate in service that day! We need ushers, greeters, acolytes, we need someone to design the cover of the bulletin, and some folks to read liturgy! Please contact Sydney about the roles you can take on for this special service! Contact Sydney.
| |
Young Adult Gathering
Tuesdays, 6pm, Location Varies
Casual gathering with snacks/appetizers provided. Dinner and/or drinks are on each individual. Contact Sydney.
|
Racial Equity & Justice Discussion Group
Wednesdays, 6:30pm, via Zoom
Join us, along with friends from other Wisconsin UMCs, for this 10-week study as we explore important issues facing our communities today. Please contact Kevin Williams for more information.
| |
Adult Bible Study
Thursdays, 2pm, Chapel Café
Join us as we explore a mosaic of the writings those early Christians left behind that did not make it into what we call the New Testament. Led by Scott Walters & Dr. Glenna Jackson. Readings provided in class. Contact Scott Walters.
| |
First Church Ringers
Thursdays, 5:30 - 6:30pm, Fellowship Hall
Participate as you are able. ALL are Welcome. Questions? See Mark Heiskanen after a service, during the week or send him a note, here.
|
Chancel Choir
Thursdays, 6:30 - 8pm, Music Room
Participate as you are able. ALL are Welcome. Questions? See Mark Heiskanen after a service, during the week or send him a note, here.
| |
Sharing Our Journeys
Sundays, 11am, Chapel & Zoom
| |
Emergent Theology
Sundays, 11:15am, Zoom
This Sunday, they will discuss chapter 6 from "Genesis — A Beginner’s Guide to the Beginning" by AJ. Levine. Contact George Gay for more information.
Zoom Meeting ID: 850 0324 3391 Passcode: 489851
| |
In Case You Missed It
Watch Sunday's Service Recording
| |
Hope's Home Ministries Community Breakfast
Wednesdays, 9am - 9:45am
| |
Hot breakfasts are served every Wednesday morning at 9am.
Sign up here to help with Wednesday breakfasts. We are always accepting more help.
This week, we had 108 guests and served 195 meals for breakfast and 140 sandwiches. We had 28 volunteers and 9 community partners.
| | |
Our ministry could not flourish without our many dedicated volunteers. We are so thankful for their work!
We are always accepting volunteers! Sign up for a recurring position, or get started as a new Volunteer with First Church by filling out the Volunteer Interest Form. Visit Our Volunteer Page here to get involved.
| | Please send your newsletter submissions to communications@fumc.org by 12 noon on Wednesday. Please strive for brevity (150 words max) and relevancy (space is especially limited for external events). All submissions are subject to editing. | | |
First United Methodist Church
203 Wisconsin Ave., Madison WI 53703
info@fumc.org, 608-256-9061
Open M-Th, 9am-2pm
| | | | |
