Ephesians 5 19 sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, ° giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
There are a number of problems with the so-called "worship wars."
1) The purpose of worship gets distorted, worship is primarily a response to God, It is not so much about the worshippers as it is about the one worshipped. So, to be at odds over forms of worship or styles of music is to become sidetracked from the primary purpose of worship.
2) Personal aesthetics gets confused with common theology. It is only natural for the church to have different tastes in music styles and prefer certain forms of worship, whether that is visual imagery or verbal language, silence or spontaneous prayer, ancient or modern liturgy. The problem is when our personal tastes are confused with our common theology. What we commonly believe about God, the church, and worship are not the same as ones preferred taste in music or forms of worship. I cannot impose my own aesthetics on the church as if this is what we all have to believe about worship.
3) The conflict usually gets focused on differences in music styles. Renewal of the church's worship life is not simply about bringing new music into worship. It is a much broader issue. Worship is more than music, and even more than preaching. Worship is the sacred drama of the whole of the liturgy through which we encounter God.
4) There are no winners in this "war," Conflicts over differences in our personal aesthetics concerning worship produce no winners. How could any person or group be considered a winner when the purpose of worship is to give glory to God? For the sake of the worship of God, we must find ways to make peace concerning these so-called "worship wars," Congregations approach this problem by creating alternative worship services for discriminating worshippers; a traditional service and a contemporary service. The traditional service has organs and piano, traditional hymns and liturgy, and an older crowd. The contemporary service has guitars and drums, amplifiers, more technology, overhead projection, informality, contemporary music, and a younger crowd. Often this approach just produces two different congregations gathering in the same building at different times to engage in their own forms of preferred worship styles.
Another approach is blended worship. This descriptive term is drawn from the work of theology professor Robert Webber, a leader in the worship renewal movement. Blended worship is more than simply the inclusion of both traditional hymns and contemporary praise songs in worship. Blended worship is a convergence in one service of worship diverse musical styles and forms of worship, traditional and contemporary, old and new, liturgical and charismatic, local and global, incorporating drama and the arts, in such a way that respects the diversity within the body of Christ and is centered in giving glory to God, We might describe blended worship as "united in purpose, diverse in style" or "worshipping one God in many forms.
These are the prayerful directions we are pursuing as we look to meet and grow in the Lord’s love whenever we gather for worship. Let this be in the minds and hearts of all of us as we find the joy of praising our Lord.
Together in Christ
MEALS ON WHEELS DELIVERY
FUMC is scheduled to deliver Senior Nutrition/Meals on Wheels Sept. 30th –Oct. 25th. The following routes are still available:
- Wed., Oct. 9th – route 3
- Fri., Oct. 11th – route 3
- Tues., Oct. 15th – route 2
- Wed., Oct. 16th – route 2
- Thur., Oct. 17th – route 1 & 2
- Fri., Oct 18th – route 1 & 2
- Mon., Oct. 21st – route 2 & 3
- Tues., Oct. 22 – route 3
- Wed., Oct. 23rd – route 2 & 3
- Thurs., Oct. 24th – route 3
- Fri., Oct. 25th – route 2 & 3
Volunteers are needed to staff the nursery during the Sunday service. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the church office or a signup sheet is located in the Narthex.
SUPPORT COLORADO FLOOD RELIEF
The sheer scope of flood destruction in Colorado is hard to put into mere words. At least 18,000 people are still out of their homes and at least 15 United Methodist churches and parsonages have major flooding, along with many more with minor flooding damage. At this time Gary Haddock, Disaster Response Coordinator for the Colorado United Methodist Churches asks for our Prayers, clean up buckets and financial donations to UMCOR.
Make a cash/check donation to First United Methodist Church. with UMCOR
Make a cash/check donation to First United Methodist Church with UMCOR Advance #901440 in the memo. This will help replenish UMCOR relief supplies and enable UMCOR to ship cleaning buckets, health kits, and other supplies to people in need. It is another great way you can bring relief and comfort to families reeling from a devastating emergency.
FUNDRAISER FOR LINDA PETERSEN O’DELL
(recovering from cancer)Please join us Friday, October 25th from 4:30-7:00 p.m. a spaghetti dinner with garlic bread, salads, bars, and drinks will be held with the ENTIRE FREE WILL OFFERING going to help pay Linda’s medical bills. To donate salads or bars calls: Bonnie at 828-8750, Merna at 842-3072, RoseAnn at 842-2382, or Heather at 842-3712.
(recovering from cancer)Please join us Friday, October 25th from 4:30-7:00 p.m. a spaghetti dinner with garlic bread, salads, bars, and drinks will be held with the ENTIRE FREE WILL OFFERING going to help pay Linda’s medical bills. To donate salads or bars calls: Bonnie at 828-8750, Merna at 842-3072, RoseAnn at 842-2382, or Heather at 842-3712.
PARENTEEN: INSIDE THE WORLD OF TODAY'S TEENAGERS
The Vermeer Leadership Alliance is excited to bring Chap Clark to Vermeer Global Pavilion October 9 at 7:00-8:30 p.m. This event is FREE and open to the public (no RSVP required).
THE CHURCH AND THE NEW ADOLESCENT
The Thursday, October 10 event with Chap Clark at the Vermeer Global Pavilion requires registration by October 2. The registration fee of $25 includes lunch, snacks, and drinks as well as registration. The registration fee after October 2 is $35. Sessions include: The changing landscape of growing up, Our history with children and teenagers, What our kids need from the church, and A new ecclesiology: A vibrant church for all of God’s people. Please contact the church office, if you would like a registration form. Dr. Clark is the Associate Provost of Regional Campuses and Special Projects and professor of youth, family, and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is also the founder of ParenTeen and HURT Seminars. Clark has written 21 books and dozens of articles. Hurt: Inside the World of Today’s Teenagers (Baker Academic, 2004, the research basis for the ParenTeen and HURT Seminars), was an ECPA finalist for book of the year. His most recent book is Hurt 2.0. Clark has a bachelor of arts in communication (cum laude) from the University of California, San Diego, and a M. A. theology and master of divinity from Fuller Seminary and a Ph.D. from the University of Denver in Human Communications Studies, specializing in relationships, teamwork and leadership, human development, contemporary culture and organizational and family systems. Clark is a well-known speaker and writer, as well as a consultant, cultural and media analyst, and adolescent and family scholar. He has served in diverse settings in education, entertainment, business, military and faith settings. He is a highly acclaimed resource for consulting and speaking/writing on a wide variety of issues that impact how we all think, relate and live. Parents, grandparents, pastors, youth pastors, teachers, Sunday school teachers, and youth groups are encouraged to attend.
The Vermeer Leadership Alliance is excited to bring Chap Clark to Vermeer Global Pavilion October 9 at 7:00-8:30 p.m. This event is FREE and open to the public (no RSVP required).
THE CHURCH AND THE NEW ADOLESCENT
The Thursday, October 10 event with Chap Clark at the Vermeer Global Pavilion requires registration by October 2. The registration fee of $25 includes lunch, snacks, and drinks as well as registration. The registration fee after October 2 is $35. Sessions include: The changing landscape of growing up, Our history with children and teenagers, What our kids need from the church, and A new ecclesiology: A vibrant church for all of God’s people. Please contact the church office, if you would like a registration form. Dr. Clark is the Associate Provost of Regional Campuses and Special Projects and professor of youth, family, and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is also the founder of ParenTeen and HURT Seminars. Clark has written 21 books and dozens of articles. Hurt: Inside the World of Today’s Teenagers (Baker Academic, 2004, the research basis for the ParenTeen and HURT Seminars), was an ECPA finalist for book of the year. His most recent book is Hurt 2.0. Clark has a bachelor of arts in communication (cum laude) from the University of California, San Diego, and a M. A. theology and master of divinity from Fuller Seminary and a Ph.D. from the University of Denver in Human Communications Studies, specializing in relationships, teamwork and leadership, human development, contemporary culture and organizational and family systems. Clark is a well-known speaker and writer, as well as a consultant, cultural and media analyst, and adolescent and family scholar. He has served in diverse settings in education, entertainment, business, military and faith settings. He is a highly acclaimed resource for consulting and speaking/writing on a wide variety of issues that impact how we all think, relate and live. Parents, grandparents, pastors, youth pastors, teachers, Sunday school teachers, and youth groups are encouraged to attend.
ANNUAL FALL DINNER
(save the date Nov 23rd)
Proceeds from the ham ball dinner this year will be divided between Montgomery Street Preschool and Linda Petersen O’Dell. A feature of this year’s dinner will be “Pies for Linda”, an opportunity to take home a homemade pie with the $15 or more donation going to help pay Linda’s medical bills. The Fellowship Uniting Neighbors (F.U.N.) encourage our members as well as the community support this event!
(save the date Nov 23rd)
Proceeds from the ham ball dinner this year will be divided between Montgomery Street Preschool and Linda Petersen O’Dell. A feature of this year’s dinner will be “Pies for Linda”, an opportunity to take home a homemade pie with the $15 or more donation going to help pay Linda’s medical bills. The Fellowship Uniting Neighbors (F.U.N.) encourage our members as well as the community support this event!
MSPS HOAGIE SALES
The annual MSPS Hoagie Sale is starting the first week in October. The
hoagies are a soft bun filled with roast beef, turkey, ham and cheese for only $4.00 each. They work great for a quick meal or can be frozen and enjoyed later. Orders must be placed by October 17th. The hoagies can be picked up on Thursday, October 24 after 6:00 p.m. in West Fellowship Hall at the church. The annual hoagie sale is the largest fundraiser for MSPS and all funds are used to improve the program and update supplies and toys. If you have questions call the preschool at 641-842-2193.
The annual MSPS Hoagie Sale is starting the first week in October. The
THIRD GRADE BIBLE PRESENTATION
Join us for a special presentation to our 3rd grade students as they reach a milestone and receive their Bibles on Sunday, October 6th during the worship service.
Join us for a special presentation to our 3rd grade students as they reach a milestone and receive their Bibles on Sunday, October 6th during the worship service.
BASKETBALL ACADEMY
YOUTH GROUP SCHEDULE
- Sunday, October 6 – 4 to 6 pm
- Sunday, October 13 – 4 to 6 pm
- Sunday, October 20 – 4 to 6 pm
- Sunday, November 3 – 4 to 6 pm
- Sunday, November 10 – 4 to 6 pm
- Sunday, November 17 – 4 to 6 pm
Free Admission-Albia High School Auditorium - Saturday, Oct. 12, 7-10 p.m.
Special guest will be Joel Johnson (formerly with Acquire the Fire). Joel’s passion, communication prowess and sidesplitting humor make him one of the nation’s foremost speakers.
Joel started preaching when he was 14. Since then, he has spoken in over 20 nations around the world and in hundreds of churches across North America. In addition, special drawings for great prizes including I-pad and other prizes will be held. Performing in a FREE concert will be We Are Leo (a Chicago based pop/Rock Quartet) and music will also be featured from Gravity and Ground Zero. Invite your friends and let Katie or Brian know if you are interested in attending this special event.
CONDOLENCES
Condolences to the family of Jay Miles on his passing.
Condolences to the family of Charlene Kirkwood on her passing.
Condolences to the family of Jay Miles on his passing.
Condolences to the family of Charlene Kirkwood on her passing.
CONGRATULATIONS
"At the annual SC UMW District meeting, Knoxville was one of seven units of
62, who were awarded a Platinum Certificate for completing more than 16 criteria of those established nationally. Although we have received this level several years, we were one of two who attained this the previous year so we may have served as a challenge or role model to other units. This was due to the leadership and dedication of our officers and membership. If you want to know more about becoming a member, please contact any UMWoman about our mission. "
"At the annual SC UMW District meeting, Knoxville was one of seven units of
THANK YOU Pastor Lane and Pastor Brent for all your visits and prayers, thank you so much. For all the cards, visits, concerns and having so many people hold you in prayer is very humbling. It is great to belong to such a wonderful church family. Many thanks. Joy Vickroy
Thank you to everyone that donated back to school items to the preschool! Your help and support of our program is greatly appreciated!
Dear First UMC of Knoxville,
Thank you for the your gift of $525 to Imagine No Malaria supporting the United Methodist Church’s commitment to eliminate malaria as a major source of death and suffering in Africa by 2015. Your support serves as an example of how we are living Christ’s call to heal the sick and help those in need. Imagine No malaria includes continued bed net distributions, community education programs with medical outreach training, radio communication programs reaching remote areas with vital information, and programs that strengthen clinics and hospitals to better diagnose and treat malaria. Thank you for your generosity and please continue to pray for our work and those we serve. Peace and Joy! Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton, Chair, UMC Global Health Initiative
JOLENE FRAHM TEMPORARY CHANGE OF ADDRESSChurch Family, I wanted to send the address of where I'll be from Oct.1st for 56 day in case anyone wants to write!
It is: Jolene Frahm
Building 5
VA Central Iowa Health Care System
3600 30th Street
Des Moines, IA. 50310I ask for your prayers as I go through this time as it will be rough! But with God by my side I know it will be easier than without Him! The patient phone is; 515-699-5999 extension 4247. Jolene Frahm
STEWARDSHIP
The stewardship portion of our following Jesus is one of those places that invites us to do something. It is a place where faith is made outwardly visible, not to bring attention to the self but to give glory to God.
The stewardship portion of our following Jesus is one of those places that invites us to do something. It is a place where faith is made outwardly visible, not to bring attention to the self but to give glory to God.
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