28 "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you
rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
How we come to Christ is a mystery to many and to others it is too often an afterthought. Many of you know that I am a part of The Two Year Academy for Spiritual Formation #33 which meets in Donaldson, IN., put on by the Upper Room, the same ministry of our church that produces the daily devotional by the same name. This study and growth opportunity has been a healing balm as I have gone through personal trials during this same time frame.
I want to encourage you to think about the 5-day academy co-sponsored by the Nashville and the Iowa Conference. It is being put on this year at Central College in Pella. The Five-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation is like the Two-Year Academy, but it consists of a single five-day session. The 5-Day Spiritual Academy offers persons a chance to grow spiritually while gathering in intentional community. Worship shapes the heart and soul of the Academy. With forty or fifty participants, the Academy community is just the right size for rich worship experiences. Following ancient practices, the day begins with Morning Prayer and closes with Night Prayer; they begin and end each day with God. The Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated every day as well, a time to "taste and see the goodness of the Lord." Two faculty presenters provide the primary content of your Five Day Academy. These persons are chosen for their knowledge about a certain topic (scripture, church history, prayer, Christian spirituality, etc.) and for their integrity as faith practitioners. Their knowledge and wisdom encourage deeper faith and integrity of witness in the lives of the participants. Covenant groups offer a safe place to share and ask questions. Spiritual journeys are defined. Go and find your rhythm!
Brochures are in the Church office. I hope you will consider this wonderful life altering opportunity. If you have further questions don’t hesitate to ask.
PEACE WITH JUSTICE – MAY 26TH
Peace with Justice Sunday is one of the six churchwide Special Sundays of The United Methodist Church. Peace with Justice Sunday enables The United Methodist Church to have a voice in advocating for peace and justice through a broad spectrum of global programs. Your Peace with Justice Sunday gifts change lives in places where the joy of knowing Christ is mixed with the tragedy of violence. Your Peace with Justice Sunday offering aids disciples, young and old, who are indeed changing lives and changing the world, inspired by Christ’s gospel of love and liberation. Please give generously.
PEACE WITH JUSTICE – MAY 26TH
WANTED:
First church attenders to volunteer for rewarding 2 year term on Habitat for Humanity’s local
Board. Meetings are the 4th MON of each month evenings – excluding Dec. New Board members begin July 1. Please check out Habitat’s Annual Report booklet at each church entrance. Habitat volunteers are great people who truly empower families in Marion County and around the world. See Park Woodle 891.2335 or Lisa Crabbs, Exec. Director 828.8844/ director@marionhfh.org /www. hfhmci.org
YOUTH CHURCHWIDE BBQ AND AUCTION FUNDRAISER – MAY 10TH
YOUTH CHURCHWIDE BBQ AND AUCTION FUNDRAISER – MAY 10TH
Join members of the FUMC Youth for a meal and fundraising auction on Friday, May 10. The group will be serving up a BBQ dinner on the church lawn at 6 pm. There will be hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, baked beans, bars, and a drink for a free will offering. At 7 pm the fun will move into West Fellowship Hall for the auction. The youth will be selling themselves to help those that might have projects that need extra hands. If you have a painting, landscaping, construction, or other project that needs help consider buying the help of the FUMC youth. The Youth can be sold off as many times as needed to fill all the jobs you all have. This will be a fun night with lots of laughs!! Invite your friends, neighbors, and anyone in need of some good help!! All proceeds from the auction will be put into the Youth Mission Trip fund for this year’s and future mission trips.
MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS
Fair Trade Equal Exchange coffees, teas, and chocolate make great gifts for Mother’s Day. A new shipment has arrived. Check it out in the Narthex.
If you or someone you know from our church will be graduating this May, please let the office know. We would like to have all names by Friday, May 10.
Senior Recognition Sunday
On Sunday, May 19 we will be honoring those graduating seniors that are in our congregation. Recognition will be given at both services.
MSPS CELEBRATION SUNDAY
Come join us on Sunday, May 5 at the 10:45 service as the MSPS students sing songs and watch a video of the school year and share in a special message. The preschool family thanks the congregation for the love and support that is shown throughout the year!!
Join the MSPS families and friends for the Spring Concert and Graduation on Thursday, May 23 at 7 pm in the sanctuary. Each age group will be singing 3 to 4 songs and we will end the evening with the Pre-K students graduating on to Kindergarten. It is always a fun filled evening. There will be a short reception following the program in West Fellowship Hall.
SPRING CLEANING FINDS
As you begin spring cleaning remember that some of your junk may be a treasure for the preschool! We are always in need of craft items, children’s books, puzzles and toys. If you have something that you think the preschool could use let Katie know or leave a message at preschool 842-2193.
Ø Sunday, May 5 @ 4 to 6 pm
Ø Sunday, May 12 – No Youth - Spend time with your Mom!! Happy Mother’s Day!
Ø Sunday, May 19 @ 4 to 6 pm
CONDOLENCES
Condolences to Evelyn Bachman and family on the passing of her sister.
Thank you to our church family for the cards and phone calls we received at our 68th wedding anniversary. George and Doris Werts
Thank you for the cards, thoughts, and prayers. Susanna Swank
Church family, Thank You for your prayer, cards, and concerns. Special Thank You to the Methodist Men and Faith Forum Class who did Spring yard clean up. God has blessed us with many great friends. Sam &Cora Rathmel
Thank you for bidding us a memorable farewell. Your presence and cards meant so much. We will miss our friends, church, and community. Keep in touch. Our new address is 1317 Logan Court, North Liberty, IA 52317 and our cell phone number is 641-820-0462. Gordon and Janna Kassel
SUMMER ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
Faith Forum and Homebuilders will be meeting during the summer (Memorial Day-Labor Day) from 10:15 to 11:00 a.m.
SUMMER SERVICE TIMES
(Memorial Day - Labor Day)
Our summer Sunday worship schedule begins Sunday, May 26th and ends Sunday, September 2nd. Our summer Sunday worship will take place at 9:00 a.m. as a blend of both contemporary and traditional worship styles.
Ø Saturday 5:30 p.m. Chapel Service
Ø Sunday 9:00 a.m. Combined Sanctuary Service
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
The church office will be closed on Monday, May 27th for the Memorial Holiday.
What & Where: RAGBRAI – Eat with First Church!
When: WED, July 24 – SAVE the Date!
Who: YOU – First Church Family. You are asked to help as needed.
Volunteer soon!
Volunteer soon!
Our Church plans a Fund-FUN-Raiser meal with proceeds going to future FUMC college scholarships and Montgomery Street Pre-School [MSPS].
Presently 5 Team areas are planned:
TEAM Food Pat Haning [842-2790] & Kay Jenson, Co-Chairs. Chicken & noodles,
desserts and more are in the works
TEAM Set-up Tim & Diane McCombs [828.7613] Co-Chairs. Work with Tim Gotta to
prepare tables/site in church basement
prepare tables/site in church basement
& Flex Help Maybe You? Help greet, serve guests, and answer questions
TEAM Clean-up Maybe You? Following meals-return church to normal
Team Leader
& Marketing Park Woodle [891.2335/pwoodle@iowatelecom.net]
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