OCTOBER 1-2 ANNOUNCEMENTS

OCTOBER 1-2 ANNOUNCEMENTS

IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

HOSPITALIZED:   Vivian Nash and Irl Clarke. 

HOSPICE:   Nancy Park (Bright Kavanagh House, 3000 Easton Blvd, DSM) and Alfred Jones (receiving hospice care at Park Lane Assisted Living).

ADDITIONAL PRAYERS:  Doran VanRheenen, Norm Chrisman, Doris Dykstra, Lela Todd, Betty Tonda, Alberta McMulin, Tom Tucker, service people and families. 

CONTINUAL PRAYERS:  Bishop Julius Trimble, District Superintendent Reverend Bill Poland, District Outreach Minister Paul Smith, 1^st Church pastors, and church family.   

PRAYER CHAIN MINISTRY

Contact Dorothy Danner at 641-842-2557. 

THIS WEEKEND

WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY

World Communion Sunday is one of the six church wide Special Sundays of The United Methodist Church. World Communion Sunday provides scholarships for U.S. racial- and ethnic-minority students and international students, on both undergraduate and graduate levels.

COMMUNION

The United Methodist Church has an open communion.  All are invited to join in the celebration of God’s love!

NEIGHBOR HELPING NEIGHBOR COLLECTION

A special collection is taken the first weekend of every month.  These funds go through the Neighbor Helping Neighbor office to help community needs.   Please mark your check memo and/or envelope to identify this purpose to contribute.

NEW THIS WEEK!

ALTAR FLOWERS

The beautiful altar flowers are in honor of Park and Susan Woodle’s wedding anniversary. 

THANK YOU

I want to thank everyone for their prayers, visits, cards, and phone calls.   Thanks also for the prayer shawl and prayer square.  They are a comfort.  Everything is appreciated very much.  Betty McRoberts

Thank you to all of our friends for the 60^th anniversary and 80^th birthday wishes.  It was wonderful seeing so many of you.   Merle and Anna Mae Vickroy

BELL CHOIR PRACTICE

Bell choir practice will begin on Wednesday, October 5 at 5:30.  New members are welcome!

MEALS ON WHEELS DELIVERY

We still have spots open for the third week (Oct. 3-7^th) that FUMC is scheduled to deliver Senior Nutrition/Meals on Wheels.   Signup sheets for volunteers to deliver the meals are located on the table in the main entry way of the church.

LOVILIA UMW GUEST DAY LUNCHEON

The Lovilia United Methodist Women invite the women of the church to their Guest Day Luncheon.   It will be held at noon, Thursday, October 13, 2011 in the Lovilia Community Building.   The program will be given by Merrill Baker.  He will tell of his visit back to Korea, where he served his country during the Korean War. 

LECTIONARY:  October 8-9

Exod. 32:1-14 Ps. 106:1-6, 19-23 Phil. 4:1-9 Matt. 22:1-14

ATTENDANCE/GIVING

September 24-25

Worship attendance:  216/Giving:  $4377.75

THIS WEEK… Sunday October 2, 2011 NEIGHBOR HELPING NEIGHBOR COMMUNION WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY 8:30 & 10:45a       Worship Services 9:00-9:30a            Sunday School Teacher Mtg – 3rd and 4th Sunday school classrooms Monday October 3, 2011  MEALS ON WHEELS DELIVERY 10:00-11:00a        Rowley Discovery Group – Conference Room 1:00-3:00p            NHN – Act Cntr 3:00-6:00p            Almost Free Shop 5:00-7:00p            Cub Scouts – WFH 7:00p                      4H Club – Act Cntr Tuesday October 4, 2011 MEALS ON WHEELS DELIVERY 7:00-8:00a            Early Birds – Hardees 9:30-10:30a          Staff Mtg – Conf Room 9:00a-Noon          Almost Free Shop 6:00-7:00p            HCI Meeting – EFH 7:00-8:00p            Bishop Discovery Group – EFH Wednesday October 5, 2011 MEALS ON WHEELS DELIVERY 10:00-11:00a        Haney Discovery Group – Conf Rm Noon                      Wings – Conf Rm 1:00-3:00p            NHN - Act Cntr 4:30p                      Girl Scouts – Preschool Room 5:30p                   Bell Choir Practice – Bell Room

6:00p                      Johnson Discovery Group – Library 6:30p                      Rathmel Discovery Group – Conf Room 6:30p                      Woodle/McCombs Discovery Group – EFH 7:00p                      Bauer Discovery Group – Music Room 7:00p                      Junior Optimists – Youth Room  Thursday October 6, 2011 MEALS ON WHEELS DELIVERY 8:00a                      Late Birds – Mr. C’s 12:30p                   UMW Exec Mtg – EFH 1:30p                      UMW Gen Mtg – WFH 6:00-8:00p            Parenting Class - WFH Friday October 7, 2011 MEALS ON WHEELS DELIVERY 9:00a-4:00p          Almost Free Shop 5:30-6:00p            Sunday School Teacher Mtg – 3rd and 4th Sunday school classrooms Saturday October 8, 2011 FOOD DONATION 5:00p                      F.U.N. Hayride/Weiner Roast – Rowley Farm 5:30p                      Chapel Service Sunday October 9, 2011 FOOD DONATION CINNAMON ROLL SUNDAY MSPS WEEKEND HOAGIE SALE KICKOFF 8:30 & 10:45a       Worship Services 9:30a                      Sunday School 9:30-10:30a          Health Kits Mission Project Assembly 2:00-4:00p            Charge Conference –                              WFH 4:00-6:00p            Youth Group – Youth                              Rm/WFH

Assisting with Services: 

8:30 - Liturgist:  Brent Hanna

10:45 - Praise Band

USHERS:        

Saturday -  Brenton & Shirley Trabert

8:30 – Marvin Brooks, Brent Hanna,

Jim Hicks, Roger DeYoung, Don Otto,

Sam Rathmel, and George Werts

10:45 – Chuck and Mary Bell Day

GREETERS:

Montgomery Street

8:30 – Jennie Dircks

10:45 –

Fourth Street

8:30 – Christa Belknap

10:45 -

COMMUNION:             

8:30 – Larry and RoseAnn Rowley

HOSPITALITY:                        

8:30 – John and Judy Burnett

OCTOBER 2ND 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:       Welcome to this time of celebration. 

      People:      WE ARE GLAD TO BE HERE.

      Leader:       Where are the other guests? 

      People:      Some are too busy, others had business to attend, others simply chose not to be present. 

      Leader:       Go to the streets, and gather all to be found. 

      People:      And let the celebration begin. 

+OPENING HYMN        “In Christ There is No East or West”        #548

Time with Young Disciples

GOSPEL LESSON          Matthew 22:1-14

MESSAGE        “Are You Ready for the Banquet?”

HYMN                          “Here I Am, Lord”                                   #593

OFFERINGAs 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.

OUR BANQUET

      Leader:       The Lord be with you.

      People:      And also with you. 

      Leader:       Lift up your hearts.

      People:      We lift them to the Lord. 

      Leader:       Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.   

      People:      It is right to give our thanks and praise.

SANCTUS

PRAYER

Send the power of your Holy Spirit on us and on these gifts, that in the breaking of this bread and the drinking of this wine we may know the presence of the living Christ; be renewed as his body and transformed into his likeness;  Faithfully serve him in the world; and look forward to his coming in final victory.   Through him, with him, in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honor and glory is yours, Almighty God, now and forever.  Amen.

THE TABLE IS OPEN TO EVERYONE!

+ CLOSING HYMN                   “This Is the Day”                        #657

Leader:             You have given yourself to us, Lord.

People:            Now we give ourselves for others. 

Leader:             You have raised us with Christ and made us a new people.  

People:            As people of the Resurrection we will serve you with joy.  

Leader:             Your glory has filled our hearts. 

People:            Help us to glorify you in all things.  Amen. 

+ SENDING FORTH WITH BLESSING

+ POSTLUDE

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

OCTOBER 2011 NEWSLETTER

PRAYER FOR PUMPKIN PEOPLE

After Liz Curtis Higgs wrote the popular children’s book, The Pumpkin Patch Parable, people began using her analogies to say a prayer while carving their Halloween pumpkins. The pumpkin prayer, a Christian alternative to Halloween traditions, reminds people of all ages what God has done for us. Use it this fall when your family makes jack-o’-lanterns.
• While cutting off the top of the pumpkin, pray, “Lord,
open my mind so I can learn new things about you.”
(See Proverbs 1:7.)
• While removing the seeds and pulp, pray, “Remove A
the things in my life that don’t please you. Forgive
the wrong things I do, and help me forgive others.”
(See Matthew 6:14-15.)
• While making eyes, pray, “Open my eyes to see the
beauty you’ve made in the world around me.” (See
Psalm 104:24.)
• While making the nose, pray, “I’m sorry for the
times I’ve turned up my nose at your many gifts.”
(See James 1:17.)
• While making the mouth, pray, “Let everything I say
please you.” (See Psalm 19:14.)
• While lighting the candle, pray, “Lord, help me
show your light to others through the things I do.”
(See Matthew 5:16.)

After carving your pumpkins, display them as examples of how God’s love transforms us into new creations. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17.)

MISSION SUNDAY  

During the Cinnamon Roll Sunday hour on October 9, come down to West Fellowship Hall to join the Education Cluster as we do the first mission project for the fall.  We will be helping put together Health Kits for In-Gathering.  In order to help get as many kits as possible we are asking for the items below to be donated.  Items from the list below can either be brought on Sunday, October 9 or they may be dropped into the box in the church Narthex.   

·         New Hand Towel – 15 x 25 to 17 x 27

·         Bath Size Bar Soap – in wrapper singles

·         Large Comb – no pocket size

·         New Adult Toothbrush – in wrapper

·         Nail File or Finger Nail Clipper – no emery boards

·         New Washcloth

·         6 Band-aids – 3/4”

·         Ziploc Bag – gallon size

POSITIVE SOLUTIONS FOR PARENTS

Are you a parent of a preschool or early elementary aged child?  Would you like to know positive solutions that will make your job as a parent easier?  Join Montgomery Street Preschool for Positive Solutions for Parents.  This is a parenting class sponsored by Child Care Resource and Referral that is geared to parents of preschool and early elementary students.  The class will offer positive solutions and provide parents with practical suggestions. The cost of the class is $5 and that covers the materials that will be provided to participants.  This is a seven week course that will meet on Thursday nights from 6:30 to 8 pm starting on October 6.  If interested please contact Katie at the preschool 842-2193.

HAYRIDE/WIENER ROAST

“FUN on the Farm” will begin at 5:00 pm on Oct 8th.  The annual hay ride, bonfire, and wiener roast will be held at 1335 Hayes Dr. north of Knoxville on hwy. 14 then ¾ of a mile east of Udders Steakhouse.  First Church’s FUN Committee (Fellowship Uniting Neighbors) activities are open to all our friends and neighbors in the community and provide opportunities for food, fellowship, and FUN for all ages.  Invite your friends and bring the grandkids.  If possible bring a covered dish to share.

TOBY WALDOWSKI IN CONCERT

Everyone is invited to join Toby for a wonderful morning of music, laughter, inspiration, prayer and friendship on Sunday, October 23 at the 8:30 and 10:45 services.

NEXT STEP CONFERENCE

The “Next Step Conference” will be held at Ankeny UMC on October 28 and 29.  A variety of break-out sessions will provide valuable resources for the ministry of our church.  Program information can be found at www.nextstepankeny.com. Please contact the church office if you are interested in attending.  We will car pool.

LOVILIA UMW GUEST DAY LUNCHEON

The Lovilia United Methodist Women invite the women of the church to their Guest Day Luncheon.   It will be held at noon, Thursday, October 13, 2011 in the Lovilia Community Building.   The program will be given by Merrill Baker.  He will tell of his visit back to Korea, where he served his country during the Korean War. 

UNICEF PARTY

All children ages 3 to high school are encouraged to come to the UNICEF Party on Sunday, October 30 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. in West Fellowship Hall.  We will have separate activities for the younger and older kids.  Games, crafts, snacks, and most importantly trick-or-treating for UNICEF will take place on this evening.  Anyone wishing to donate to the UNICEF program will be given the opportunity on Sunday, October 30.  The kids will be going around town during the party to collect donations as well.  Contact Katie Bishop or Erika DeGeest if you would like more information or would like to help with this fun event.

SAVE THE DATE

The Children and Youth Christmas Program will be held on Sunday, December 11 at 5:00 p.m.  Watch for more details in the months to come.

MSPS WEEKEND

MSPS kids will be singing on October 9 at the 8:30 and 10:45 church services. 

MSPS HOAGIE SALES

The annual MSPS Hoagie Sale will be kicking off the weekend of October 8th and 9th.  The MSPS students will be coming to church to sing on Sunday, October 9th at both the 8:30 and 10:45 services to kick off the sale.  The hoagies are a wonderful combination of turkey, ham, roast beef, and cheese on a hoagie bun for just $3.50 per sandwich.  If you would like to place an order see the order form in the LINK or stop by the preschool.  All orders are due by October 20th.  Hoagies will be made on Wednesday, October 26th and can be picked up in West Fellowship Hall after 6:00 p.m. 

CAMPING TRIP

The youth group camping trip was postponed in September but the group has rescheduled the event for Saturday, October 15 through Sunday, October 16.  All youth in 7th through 12th grade are invited to attend and bring friends.  We will be camping at the Marion County Sportsman’s Club.  If you are interested in attending or if you would like more details call Katie & Brian Bishop (828-6933) or Jill Findley (842-2406).

UPCOMING DATES FOR YOUTH GROUP

• Sunday, October 9  4 to 6 pm
• Sunday, October 23  4 to 6 pm
• Sunday, October 30  3 to 6 for UNICEF Party 
• November 13 and 27 from 4 to 6
• December 4 and 18 from 4 to 6 pm

THANK YOU

THANK YOU REV ART HILL, for your work and service to us and our church! Art has been there to comfort us and there in times of joy, too.  We also note the NEW and interesting format for THE LINK.  It has a current look and faith-building updates. We have worked with both faith and secular newsletters/bulletins and truly appreciate the deadlines and challenges doing this. THANK YOU Heather, Pastor Lane, and the Team who work on it! We attend UM churches with family in Twin Cities, Ames, and Cedar Falls.   These churches share similar challenges with us. We see that Electronic Giving [EFT] is both catching on elsewhere and is convenient. We know First Church receives our pledge with regular automatic deductions on 2^nd of each month.  Those in their 30’s and under seldom write checks. Our church does compare well to others.  Park and Dr. Susan Woodle Family

I want to thank Pastor Lane for his visits and prayers, they help.   Also, thanks to the Methodist ladies who gave me the beautiful shawl and prayer square.  They are comforting and much appreciated.   I am doing well, gaining strength each day.  Thank you for everything, Alberta McMulin

Thank you for your words, thoughts, and prayers during our family’s loss of Jim’s Grandpa Bob.  We are blessed to have had an abundance of support during this difficult time.  Jim, Jill, Aidan, and Kalen Findley

A warm thank you to our Knoxville church family for last weekend’s recognition at the three worship services for my 10 years of work as Visitation Pastor.  We enjoyed visiting with you and sharing memories at the potluck Saturday night ad over cinnamon rolls on Sunday morning.   Thank you for your numerous cards with personal notes and gifts.  It has been a joy to be part of your lives through my ministry.  Edy and I are enjoying being fully retired with opportunities to spend more time on personal interests and with our family.   May God continue to bless you and our church family.  Rev. Art Hill

We want to thank our church family for the cards, prayers, and words of sympathy extended to us during the time of death of our sister and niece.   George and Doris Werts and Lela Todd

I want to thank everyone for their prayers, visits, cards, and phone calls.   Thanks also for the prayer shawl and prayer square.  They are a comfort.  Everything is appreciated very much.  Betty McRoberts

Thank you to all of our friends for the 60^th anniversary and 80^th birthday wishes.  It was wonderful seeing so many of you.   Merle and Anna Mae Vickroy

CONDOLENCES

Condolences to Phil Bauer and family on the passing of his mother.

Condolences to Doris Werts and Lela Todd on the death of their sister/niece. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Happy birthday to Don Starr who will be celebrating his 90^th birthday on October 13^th.  Cards may be sent to 1406 W Roosevelt St, Knoxville.       

Enjoy the Convenience of Electronic Giving

First United Methodist Church would like to remind our congregation that we offer electronic giving as a way to automate your regular offering.  Electronic giving offers convenience for you and provides donation consistency for our church.  Getting started is easy….just contact treasurer Sharon Rigg at the church office!

BELL CHOIR

Bell choir practice begins Wednesday October 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the bell choir room.   New members are welcome!

2011 Restoration Project

Over the past three years, we have been able to complete several major building projects.   In 2009, the parsonage received a much needed renovation, which cost $32,168.  Tuck pointing of the entire church was finished this year at a cost of $115,546.  We were able to complete these projects with undesignated bequeaths from Agnes Wilson, Pauline McNeish, Edna Johnson and Jack James.  These funds are now depleted.  Other funds used for these projects were the church maintenance fund, and donations from the Methodist Women.     

In the spring of this year, the exterior of the church sustained wind damage to some metal pieces.  In assessing the damage, we found that along with the wind damage there was considerable wear to the metal on the bell tower and cupola.   We have not needed to complete any maintenance work to these areas for many decades. 

                The Trustees and Finance Committees looked at several repair options for the maintenance work and wind damage with the dual goals of keeping the historical look of the church and controlling the cost.   The chosen repair method will make it so we do not have to complete a maintenance project on these areas for several decades.   The project should be completed by mid-October. 

While insurance paid for the wind damage, we need to raise $27,900 for the regular maintenance part of the project.   Thankfully, the Methodist Women have pledged $10,000 to this project which brings our fund raising goal to $17,900.  Please prayerfully consider making a donation to this important project, and indicate your intent by noting the 2011 Restoration Project in the memo section of your check. 

Listed below are the members of your church Trustee and Finance Committees.  Please do not hesitate to contact a member with questions about this project. 

Jay Olson	Park Woodle	Pat Whitlatch	Larry Rowley	Sharon Rigg
Mickey Edwards	Joyce Brooks	Gordon Kassel	Cora Rathmel	Susan Helmers
Larry Rowley	Adam Norris	Lori Bailey	Sam Rathmel	Don Harrison
Brian Bishop	Marion Friday