ROADMAP TO RENEWAL
The Leadership team of First church (the Church Council which is made up of both the Administrative Council and Council on Ministry) have adopted a plan and process to foster renewal. We will be using a resource developed by the General Board of Global Ministry entitled Roadmap to Renewal by Douglas W. Ruffle.
Roadmap to Renewal is a book that invites the Church to go on a road trip to rediscover the mission and purpose. This book invites us to open our minds and hearts to what God is calling your church to be and do.
In many Bible stories, God's promises were fulfilled at the end of a journey. The matriarchs and patriarchs of the Bible confronted difficulties and disappointments, during their journey and, as a people, learned new ways of living. They also discovered how better to approach and listen to God.
An example of this was Cleopas and another disciple who were returning from Jerusalem on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35) after Jesus' trial and crucifixion. As they were traveling, the resurrected Jesus met them on the road. The story tells us Jesus appeared to them as a stranger; he walked with them, "but their eyes were kept from recognizing him." (Luke 24:16)
Why would regaining hope, and a vision of mission, be different for the people of a local church? We embark on a journey together to find the fulfillment of God's promises for our lives and our communities. We find our way by traveling the road together. Sometimes, a church finds itself off track, sometimes, the members are despondent.
Churches on their road to Emmaus, know the story of Jesus, but their walk is listless. Their faith lacks passion. They need someone to listen and ask questions. They want to rediscover the burning in their hearts that gives meaning to their mission as people of God.
The gospel invites us to work our way back in order to find the pathway forward. The blessing for Cleopas and the other disciple came at the end of their road trip, when, at last, they recognized Christ in the breaking of the bread.
Our prayer is that Roadmap to Renewal' will provide the guidance we need to learn where we are currently and to help us arrive at the destination God desires for our church and discovery that takes us to get to the next level of vitality and growth.
We want every member to be in prayer about this process so we may become a Spirit-infused place, where ministry and mission are healthy and alive. This book has offered us a roadmap to help guide our journey toward a new sense of mission and ministry in an ever challenging terrain of being the church in the 21st century.
PASTOR LANE RIGGLE
We are looking for some additional volunteers to help with 2nd service ushering. Please contact Deb Harvey or the church office if you can help.
NEWSLETTER TEAM
If you are interested in being on call at the end of the month to help fold and mail out “The Link” newsletter each month, please contact Heather at the office at 641-842-3712 or fumchurch@iowatelecom.net. Thanks.
A free dinner and movie for all of our friends and neighbors is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Sat, Feb. 11th in WFH.
Coming soon…watch for the date! Fun ‘N Fitness for 55+ with Sherry Haney, Carolyn Avon, and Bonnie Crook.
The Helping Hands Kids Carnival fundraiser will be held on Saturday, February 18th, in the Middle School gym. Ernie Smith will be there with his inflatable rides as well as many other community organizations providing activities for the kids. Fellowship Uniting Neighbors (F.U.N.) will be having games to play, passing out gifts and providing free tickets for the kids for other activities. All proceeds go to the Helping Hands Food Pantry. This provides an excellent opportunity for our church to witness in the community.
Join us, Sunday, February 12, during Cinnamon Roll Sunday for a memorable review of the past as the boy scouts of Knoxville Troop 377 present last year’s experience from Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Philmont Scout Ranch is the Boy Scouts of America's largest national high-adventure base. It covers 137,000 acres - about 214 square miles - of rugged mountain wilderness in the Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ) range of the Rocky Mountains in northern New Mexico. Philmont has high mountains dominating rough terrain with elevations ranging from 6,500 to 12,441 feet.
Did you know…As the charter organization for our local Knoxville Pack 362 cub scouts, First United Methodist Church has been serving youth in the community for last 60 years!
The Boy Scouts of America annually celebrates its founding on February 8, 1910, based on the program started by Lord Baden Powell in England on August 1, 1907. Scout Sunday was added to the Scout celebration in the middle 1940s. In the instance of the United Methodist Church, Scout Sunday is celebrated on the second Sunday in February.
The Scout Sunday tradition was started to make people in houses of worship aware of Scouting, and to allow Scouts to live out their "Duty to God" pledged each week.
The Scout Law says that a "Scout is Reverent" and the Scouts of all ages promise to do their "Duty to God". These values strengthen youth character in their family, community and faith. Thank you all for your support!
Pastor Lane has begun preaching series that will continue through March 25th based on the book “Crazy Love”.
In addition to hearing the weekly preaching series at church services, you have many opportunities weekly to go further in-depth with Crazy Love including:
1. Read the book.
2. Join a Crazy Love Discussion Group:
· Rowley’s group will be held Mondays at 10:00 a.m. at FUMC in EFH.
· Rathmel’s group will be held Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at FUMC in EFH.
· Crook’s group will be held Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at FUMC in EFH.
· Late Birds group will be held Thursdays at 8:00 a.m. at Mr. C’s.
· Pastor Lane will be leading a group in the Chapel on Sundays at 9:40-10:10 a.m.
3. Watch corresponding chapter videos for Crazy Love
weekly at www.crazylovebook.com/videos.html.
Everyone is invited and welcome to participate in all of the above!
Life Line Screening will be at Celebrate Church in Knoxville on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 providing vascular screenings. You can get any vascular screening for just $60 or get all 5 screenings for only $149. Flyers are available on the church window ledge. Pre-registration is required.
A special Ash Wednesday Service will be held at FUMC on Wednesday, February 22 at 7:00 p.m.
Beginning Wednesday, February 29, there will be a light meal served in WFH from 5:45-6:30 p.m. followed by a 30 minute devotional presented by FUMC lay speakers from the lectionary series “Call Him Savior”. These Lenten devotionals will continue subsequently each Wednesday of Lent through March 28.
Also, beginning Wednesday, February 29, from noon to 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of FUMC, pastors from local churches will give a 30 minute Lenten Devotion followed by a light lunch served in WFH. The ecumenical services will continue through March 28.
There are Lenten devotional books from the Society of St. Andrew available in the church office or on the church office window ledge. Each day during Lent, the gifted and talented writers, through scripture and prayer, share where they have seen Jesus at work in the world. As you make the journey to the cross this year, use these devotions and prayers to reflect on your own “Living Proof” of Jesus Christ. The Society of St. Andrew salvages fresh produce that cannot be sold and delivers it to agencies that feed hungry people in the United States.
Good Friday Morning Camp - Friday, April 6
If you would be willing to help provide an impactful morning for children from our community as they learn about the true meaning of Easter and about God's love for them, please contact Katie Bishop (828-6933 or kbbishop@windstream.net) VBS - Sunday, July 22 -Thursday, July 26
Those interested in helping to pick out the theme for this year’s event, please contact Katie Bishop (828-6933 or kbbishop@windstream.net)
Back by popular demand and just in time for March Madness, MSPS hoagies!! Spring sales will run from February 13 through February 26. Watch for bulletin inserts or call Katie at the preschool (842-2193) to order.
The FUMC Youth will be holding a can/bottle drive on Sunday, February 12 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the church garage on 4th Street. Proceeds from the drive will go toward the youth mission trip this summer. Call Katie or Brian Bishop at 641-828-6933 if you need someone to pick up your cans.
YOUTH GROUP SCHEDULE
· March 11th and 25th
· April 1st, 15th, and 29th
· May 6th and 20th
The Youth are beginning to plan a mini-mission trip to Chicago for Memorial Day weekend. All 7th to 12th grade students are invited to participate. However, only those youth that actively participate in Youth Group and the planning and fundraising of the trip will be allowed to go. If you are interested in learning more about the trip, plan to attend Youth Group on February 12th.
On Sunday, February 5 the FUMC youth will again be collecting donations for Helping Hands. Please bring non-perishable food or cash donations that will go directly to Helping Hands. Members of the Youth Group will be doing a special collection on this morning.
CONDOLENCES
Condolences to the family of Jeff Kline on his passing.
Thanks so much to those who came and helped with the kitchen inventory and cleaning. Because of each of you, we were able to get it completed on January 9th so we didn’t need to meet January 16th. Everything went smoothly and we even had time for a break! Thanks again. Dorothy Danner.
Dear First Church Congregation, Thank you so much to all of you who attended Jeff’s visitation, the funeral, sent a sympathy card, sent flowers, made a donation on Jeff’s behalf and made food to share after the memorial service. Please know your kindness during this hard time has meant so much to our family. Tenderly we treasure the past, with memories that will always last. Warm regards, Darlene Kline & Family
Thank you, Tom Kamp, for repairing the drawers in the kitchen. It’s very much appreciated. The Kitchen Committee
Thank you to all who contributed to the Malawi Motorcycle Project. We have reached our goal and many will be blessed because of your generosity!
Congratulations to the Hanna’s on their retirement from TEACHING after many (Brent – 38 years and Mary - 34 years) great years!
Congratulations to Joel Johnson who was inducted into the Iowa Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame!
Please pick up any dishes or pans you have left in the East Kitchen. The remaining utensils will soon be donated to the Almost Free Shop. Thanks.
Copies of the February Lower Lights are now available on the church window ledge and in the Chapel.
LENTEN ACTIVITIES
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE – Wednesday, February 22 at 7:00 p.m.
ECUMENICAL LENTEN SERVICES (FUMC CHAPEL/WFH) (Message 12:00-12:30) (Meal 12:30-1:00) | LAY SPEAKER LENTEN DEVOTIONALS (WFH) (Meal 5:45 to 6:30 p.m.) (Devotion 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.) |
Wednesday, February 29 Wednesday, March 7 Wednesday, March 14 Wednesday, March 21 Wednesday, March 28 | Wednesday, February 29 Wednesday, March 7 Wednesday, March 14 Wednesday, March 21 Wednesday, March 28 |
