Monday, April 30, 2012

MAY 2012 NEWSLETTER

23 For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." 25 In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26

The scripture above (Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church) contains an ancient piece of liturgy of the early Christian community, and is the basis of most communion liturgies. Methodist from the very beginning even before we were a separate church, when John Wesley organized the people called Methodist as a revival movement in the Church of England, were a strong and vital movement because of the involvement of the laity.

Today Methodism is reclaiming its roots as a movement centered on the work of the laity. As such we at First Church are launching a new ministry of Communion Deacons. In accordance to the Discipline of the Church, and after reading and training with the pastor these laypersons will be bring Holy Communion to those unable to attend worship.

We hope to start this summer. After each monthly communion service we, the body of Christ, will send out the Communion Deacons with elements that were consecrated along with elements in the service. Communion has always been brought as an extension of the congregation's worship to the sick or homebound persons. In a continuance of this long standing tradition we are looking for persons to serve in this important ministry.

Those selected to be Communion Deacons must be persons who confess a personal relationship with Jesus Christ; who participate actively in the ministry, mission, and worship of the congregation; and who strive to live out the gospel in their daily lives.

Communion Deacons shall receive training from the pastor in the following areas:
a.     Theology of the Eucharist in The United Methodist Church
b.     Practice of caring for shut-ins and the ill
c.      Procedure for serving the Eucharist outside the worship service in the sanctuary

Communion Deacons will be commissioned at a worship service.   The communion they take to the shut-ins and the ill is an extension of the Lord’s table where we celebrate the renewing power of God’s love in Christ Jesus.

Please prayerful consider if God is calling you to serve in this Important ministry.

PASTOR LANE

NURSERY WORKERS NEEDED
The nursery is needed during Sunday morning worship for many of our younger families.  Recently there has been a shortage of volunteers to staff the nursery.  If you would be willing to work an hour shift in the nursery on a Sunday morning, sign up on the bulletin board outside the nursery or contact Heather at the office.  Workers are needed for 8:30, 9:30, and 10:45 to cover both services and the Sunday school hour.  Thanks for volunteering!!

SERVICE SURGE IN KNOXVILLE ON MAY 12
A Call To Serve (ACTS) Ministries of Iowa has announced that its annual Service Surge will be held in Knoxville on May 12 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants will gather at the Marion County Fairgrounds Show Barn to check in that morning before splitting into work project groups for the day. Each participant needs to register online at www.actsofiowa.org and click on “Service Surge”. The Service Surge hosted by ACTS last year in Knoxville engaged three hundred volunteers.  This small time commitment has a huge impact on the community. Most of the projects will be focused around painting, clean-up, landscaping, and other home repair items.  All volunteers are welcome regardless of age, skill level, or faith background. General labor, hospitality, photo/videographer, and prayer roles are available. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

RURAL LIFE WEEKEND – MAY 12 & 13
The Iowa Annual Conference Rural Life Sunday Offering goes to support projects in rural areas of Iowa.  An example of a project that received funding for this year is Mobile United Methodist Missionaries (MUMMS) of South Central and Southeast Districts.  MUMMS helps to provide VBS, after-school programs, work projects, and many other services for small rural churches and communities without a church.  Please consider donating to this special offering.  

FUN ‘N FITNESS
The Fun ‘N Fitness group will meet on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. in East fellowship Hall. Beginning date is May 2 and we will meet for six weeks. They will be no longer than one hour consisting of exercise, devotions and healthful living tips. We have several who have indicated they will be there but you are not required to register, so just come and enjoy.

ATTICA UMW ANNUAL FELLOWSHIP
The Attica UMW invites the ladies of our church to their annual May Fellowship on May 8th.  A salad-sandwich lunch will be served at NOON with the afternoon program being given by the pastor, Vickie Steffes.  She will be sharing her experience as a member of the mission work team who went to Puerto Rico.  We can car pool from the church leaving at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 8.

GRADUATING SENIORS
Congratulations to the graduating seniors!  Ross Chrisman and Xenia Macritacia   will be recognized on Sunday, May 6th at the 8:30 service for their achievement. We wish them many blessings in their future endeavors.  

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER RECOGNITION
Thank you to those who served as Sunday school teachers this year!! You are what make the education of our church flow.  Please join the Education Committee in thanking these great volunteers on Sunday, May 20 at both services.

SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE
There will be no children’s Sunday school classes Memorial Day weekend (May 27th) through Labor Day weekend and will resume the regular schedule on Sunday, September 16.  





VBS UPDATES
The dates have been set, July 22–26.  The theme has been picked, Son World Adventure Park.  Now all we need are some willing volunteers who are ready to have fun sharing the love of Jesus with the children of our church and community.   Watch the bulletins in May and June for details and meeting times for those interested in helping with VBS.

YOUTH GROUP NEWS
The Youth Group will be traveling to the St. Louis area over Memorial Day weekend for a mission trip.  The students are excited and will be sharing their experience in June so watch for more details. 

Youth Group Meeting Dates for May – Sunday, May 6 from 4 to 6 p.m.; other dates will be set on the 6th by the group.

MSPS SPRING CONCERT & GRADUATION
The church family is welcome to join the students and families of Montgomery Street Preschool at 7 pm on Tuesday, May 22 for their spring concert and graduation.  The kids get to celebrate a great school year and we will send the Pre-K students onto Kindergarten with a small ceremony.  

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

The church office will be closed on Monday, May 28 for the Memorial Holiday. 








CONDOLENCES
Condolences to the family of Dorothy VandenBerg on her passing. 

Condolences to the family of JV Hollingshead on his passing.

Condolences to Peggy Johnson and family on the passing of her mother. 

MOVING
Dear Church Family –
I am moving to Emerald Heights in Redmond, Washington – just 10 miles from my daughter, Ruth Anne.  It is hard to leave people who are so friendly, helpful, and kind.  I knew I could count on you in tough times and happy times.  You will always be in my prayers.  Please keep in touch.  Pearl Legler



SUMMER OFFERINGS…CHECK FUTURE BULLETINS FOR MORE INFORMATION!

IN HIS STEPS BY CHARLES SHELDON – BOOK STUDY
Christians familiar with the acronym WWJD (what would Jesus do?) will find the genesis of the WWJD movement in the pages of In His Steps. Written by the 19th century pastor, theologian, author, and forerunner of the social gospel movement Charles Sheldon, In His Steps tells the story of Christians who challenge themselves to live as Christ would for a year. Although the book was originally published in 1896, modern readers will find themes that resonate with the current religious and political atmosphere. What does it mean to be a Christian and a citizen? Does the church reflect the teachings of Christ in daily life or are Sunday sermons and hymns merely virtuous platitudes? Follow the lives of seven Christians as they wrestle with the practical implications of living the gospel in Sheldon’s classic In His Steps.  You may read this book for free online (through the website, word document, or PDF file) or listen to a free audio book version of it at www.ccel.org/ccel/sheldon/ihsteps.html.

Building Antioch: Your Role in a Transformational Church
This book examines the unique characteristics of Antioch as an example of a transformational church. The church at Antioch provides a concrete expression of what a healthy church looks like. Introduced in Acts 11, this transformational church was open to all people. It was characterized by spiritual power, intentional discipleship, radical generosity, and a missional mindset that impacted the future direction of the early church. The goal of this study is to inspire church members to do their part to make their church a transformational church.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

APRIL 28, 2012 SERVICE

Enter to Worship, Depart to Serve

We invite you to sign the worship registry at the end of each row and pass it on to others in your pew, then pass the book back. 

Our Mission:  "To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world."

WORDS OF WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS

ORGAN PRELUDE

+CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader:    We are people of the word, and today that word is ...
People:   Christ is risen. He is risen indeed!Leader:    We are people of the world, and today that world is ...
People:   In need of peace and a Savior.
Leader:    We are people of work, and today that work is ...
People:   Laid aside so that we might find rest for our souls.Leader:    We are people of worship, and today that worship is ...
People:   Offered in a spirit of humility and gratitude.
All:          Accept, O God, the words of our mouths and the
               meditation of our hearts. Amen.

+OPENING HYMN              “Thine Be the Glory”                                         #308

PRAYER
In you, O God, every family on earth receives its name.  Illumine the homes of this earth with the light of your love, granting courage to those who are hurt or lonely, endurance to those who care for sick family members, and wisdom to those in fearful times of change.  We thank you for gifts of love we have received from mother, father, spouse, child, or companion. As we have been loved by you and by others, so may we love.  Grant us your peace, through Jesus the Christ. Amen.

HYMN                          “My Hope Is Built”                                  #368

Time with Young Disciples

SPECIAL MUSIC BY PAIGE CHRISMAN

SCRIPTURES
Acts 4:5-12
Psalter #754 response 1
Music response #204 Emmanuel  

MESSAGE

AFFIRMATIONS OF FAITH
As Easter people, we believe God is Lord of both life and death.  
We believe that in an astounding act of grace, Jesus suffered and died on the cross to save us from our sins.  We believe, three days later, Jesus was raised from the dead, promising us salvation, not because we deserve it, but out of love, through grace.  We believe we are called to respond to that gift of grace, not out of duty, but in gratitude, to seek peace, care for the ill, clothe the naked, feed the hungry, empower the oppressed and welcome the outcast; to carry on Christ's work until he comes again.  Because, as Easter people, we are confident Christ will come again. Alleluia! Amen.

OFFERING
As forgiven and reconciled people, let us offer ourselves and our gifts to God.  

+DOXOLOGY #95
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  Amen.

PRAYER OF DEDICATION

+ CLOSING HYMN    “Give Me the Faith Which Can Remove”     #650

+ SENDING FORTH WITH BLESSING

+ POSTLUDE

(+) Those who are able are invited to stand.

APRIL 28-29, 2012 ANNOUNCEMENTS

APRIL 28-29, 2012 ANNOUNCEMENTS

IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

HOSPITALIZED:  Joyce McCarty. 

ADDITIONAL PRAYERS:  Loretta Kono,  Allan Furney, Helen Stevenson, Sandra Chrisman, Pat Whitlatch’s daughter-in-law’s sister, Mandy Branson’s nephew, Phyllis Force’s husband, Art Hill’s brother, Barb Johnson’s mother, Betty Tonda, Mike May, Lela Todd, Marjorie Andrews, Thurman Floyd, Phyllis Barnett, Alberta McMulin, service people and families.   

CONDOLENCES:  Condolences to Peggy Johnson and family on the passing of her mother.  

PRAYER CHAIN MINISTRY
Contact Dorothy Danner at 641-842-2557. 

E-PRAYER CHAIN
If you would like to sign up for the e-prayer chain to receive an e-mail any time a request is made for a prayer, please contact Heather at fumchurch@iowatelecom.net or 641-842-3712 with your name and e-mail information.  

THIS WEEKEND

GOLDEN CROSS sunday
The Iowa Annual Conference Golden Cross Sunday Offering goes to support health projects in Iowa.   Examples of projects that received funding for this year are Children and Family Urban Ministries in Des Moines and New City Ministries in Waterloo.

COMMUNITY CHORUS Sunday, April 29 at 2:30 in FUMC Sanctuary.

WEBSITE:  WWW.KIFUMC.ORG


NEW THIS WEEK!

MOVING
Dear Church Family – I am moving to Emerald Heights in Redmond, Washington – just 10 miles from my daughter, Ruth Anne.  It is hard to leave people who are so friendly, helpful, and kind.  I knew I could count on you in tough times and happy times.  You will always be in my prayers.  Please keep in touch.  Pearl Legler

MSPS SUNDAY MAY 6TH
Come and enjoy the singing of the MSPS students as well as show your support for the MSPS program on May 6th at the 10:45 service!

ATTICA UMW ANNUAL FELLOWSHIP
The Attica UMW invites the ladies of our church to their annual May Fellowship on May 8th.  A salad-sandwich lunch will be served at NOON with the afternoon program being given by the pastor, Vickie Steffes.  She will be sharing her experience as a member of the mission work team who went to Puerto Rico.  We can car pool from the church leaving at 11:30 on Tues., May 8. 

TORNADO DISASTERS
Financial assistance is needed to support the disaster relief work of the Iowa Conference in the aftermath of the April 14 tornadoes that impacted Iowa communities.  Please indicate Advance Special #223—Disaster Relief in your check memo or on the Love envelope if you wish to donate. 

Fun ‘N Fitness
The Fun ‘N Fitness group will meet on Wednesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. in East fellowship Hall. Beginning date is May 2 and we will meet for six weeks. They will be no longer than one hour consisting of exercise, devotions and healthful living tips. We have several who have indicated they will be there but you are not required to register, so just come and enjoy.

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
If you volunteered for the Marion County Senior Nutrition Program in any way please join us in celebrating your generous assistance on Monday, April 30 at 5:30 at the Jenkins Center.  To reserve your spot call Dawn Allspach 641-842-6070.


ONGOING NEWS…
LECTIONARY: 
May 5-6, 2012
Acts 8:26-40 Ps. 22:25-31 1 John 4:7-21 John 15:1-8
ATTENDANCE/GIVING
April 21-22, 2012
Worship attendance:  186
Giving:  $3050.06


THIS WEEK…
Sunday April 29, 2012
GOLDEN CROSS SUNDAY
8:30 & 10:45a    Worship
                           Services
9:30a                Sunday School
9:40-10:30a       New Member Class – WFH
2:30p                Community Chorus – Sanctuary
3:30-4:30p         Community      
                           Chorus
Reception –
WFH
Monday April 30, 2012

BO OFF

1:00-3:00p         NHN – Act Cntr

5:00-7:00p         Cub Scouts –
                           WFH
6:30p                  VBS Taskforce
                           – Conf Rm

Tuesday May 1, 2012

7:00-8:00a         Early Birds – Hardees

9:00a-Noon       Almost Free Shop
9:30-10:30a       Staff Mtg – Conf Rm

Wednesday May 2, 2012

10:30-11:30p     Fun ‘N Fitness - EFH

Noon                Wings – Conf Rm

1:00-3:00p         NHN—Act Cntr

7:00p                Jr. Optimists – YR
Thursday May 3, 2012
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
HEATHER OFF
8:00a                Late Birds— Mr. C’s 
10:00a              Memorial Committee – Conference Room
12:30p              UMW Exec Mtg –EFH
1:30p                UMW Gen Mtg – WFH
Friday May 4, 2012
HEATHER OFF
9:00a-4:00p       Almost Free Shop
Saturday May 5, 2012
COMMUNION
NEIGHBOR HELPING NEIGHBOR
RECEIVING OF NEW MEMBERS
7:00a                Methodist Men – Mr. C’s
5:30p                Chapel Service
Sunday May 6, 2012 
COMMUNION
NEIGHBOR HELPING NEIGHBOR
RECEIVING OF NEW MEMBERS
GRADUATE CELEBRATION AT 8:30
MSPS SUNDAY AT 10:45 SERVICE
8:30 & 10:45a    Worship Services
9:30a                Sunday School


WELCOME VISITORS…
We welcome you and invite you to participate in all activities of the church.  Listed are all of the events taking place in our church this week.  We realize that newcomers may not be familiar with all the programs or people of the church so for explanations and more complete descriptions we encourage you to visit our website at, www.kifumc.org  and www.facebook.com/firstchurchknoxville, email fumchurch@iowatelecom.net, or call 641-842-3712.

We are family friendly with a well equipped nursery, a full play room, and bathroom for your use.  Please feel free to use our family oriented nursery.   These areas are sound proof from the sanctuary, but you can turn on the speakers and hear the service if you would like.  Large print bulletins are available for the 8:30 service.

Assisting with Services: 
8:30 - Liturgist:  Sara Finnegan
10:45 - Praise Band

USHERS:        
Saturday -  Brenton and Shirley Trabert
8:30 – Jim Butler, Dave Johnson, Dan Russell, John Scott, Jim Young, and Kay Jensen
10:45 – Loretta Kono, Carolyn Avon, and Deb Harvey

GREETERS:
Montgomery Street
8:30 – Gordon and Jonna Kassel
10:45 – Heather and Paul Huyck
Fourth Street
8:30 – Bonnie Crook  
10:45 – Irvin Rykhoek

COMMUNION:             
8:30 – Emily Swisher and Merna Furney

HOSPITALITY:                        
8:30 – Jim and Sharon Young

SPECIAL MUSIC:
All Services - Paige Chrisman