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