THE SPIRE REFLECTIONS FROM PASTOR MEL. Towards the end of Einstein s life he was said to have taken down the pictures of NOVEMBER 2018

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1 Volume 49, Issue 8 NOVEMBER 2018 THE Special points of interest: Our Vision SPIRE Publication Spire Deadline Altar flowers Church calendar Inside this issue: Church Council 2 Announcements 2-3 Children s & Youth News Birthday & Anniversary Corner 3 4 Dinner Menu 4 Calendar 5 REFLECTIONS FROM PASTOR MEL Towards the end of Einstein s life he was said to have taken down the pictures of Newton and Maxwell and replaced them with two others: Mahatma Gandhi and Albert Schweitzer, a couple of great humanitarians. Someone asked him about the switch, and he replied that he had discovered it was service - and not science - that makes the difference in life. As he put it, Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile. Why does First UMC of Mesa exist? Is it to maintain buildings or property which has been handed down to us through the faithful legacy of previous generations? Is it because the congregation mothered five congregations in the southeast valley? Is it because our apportionments keep the Desert Southwest Annual Conference afloat? Is it because I have friends here and we enjoy each other s company? Is it because there are community needs around us that need our attention like the homeless, providing clothing, etc? Is it because we need a space to recharge our spiritual batteries after a stressful week? Why do we exist? The Church, and First UMC is a part of it, is the only institution that exists primarily for the benefit of those who are not its members! You and others might vehemently disagree with this statement. Surely, you might be thinking, I need some bang for my ecclesiastical buck! Sure, we can help the poor and needy and it s also important to share the Gospel, but there s got to be some benefit to ourselves, right? It s counter-cultural to think of an institution existing for the benefit of those who are not it s members. Reading the gospels as well as the Book of Acts, no where do I hear the statement, we have enough disciples - quit recruitment! No, Jesus and his followers kept at it and the result is that you and I are a part of a chain of such missionary activity. First UMC of Mesa exists because a small group of Methodists met in a barn 125 years ago. Did they think to themselves, all right, now that we re organized, we don t need anyone else? Of course not! They had a vision to move out of that barn onto a property at 15 East First Avenue. Their vision wasn t inward focused but rather on their surrounding community. In this post-denominational world, I believe that the congregations which will thrive in the future are the ones that take seriously the commitment to those who are not it s members. The ones that are intentional about reaching out to draw people in; the ones that are passionate about sharing the Good News rather than hoarding it. As we now celebrate our 125 th anniversary, how seriously do we take this concept? Of course, there is nothing new about the church existing for those who are not it s members. Jesus tells us to go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. His last words weren t lets have a group hug and stay here, but rather encouraged them to draw others into the group Download our FUMC Mesa app! - Pastor Mel

2 Page 2 CHURCH OFFICE HOURS M-TH: 9 2 pm PH: Electronic Giving Electronic giving is a direct debit program where your contribution is debited automatically from your checking or savings account, either weekly or monthly. This is an easy way to fulfill your stewardship commitment, even when you are unable to attend church. You can pick up an authorization form in the church office, and talk to Lynn Adams for further details. CHECK OUT our new option to give with a debit/credit card on our website at firstchurchofmesa.com UPCOMING SERMONS Series: Lessons from Mark November 4 Mark 12:28-34 How to Vote Like a Christian November 11 Mark 12:37b-44 The Economics of Chump Change November 18 Guest Speaker: Bishop Bob T. Hoshibata November 25 Luke 17:11-19 On the Border with Jesus WORSHIP COMMITTEE Hanging of the Greens Join us as we decorate our sanctuary for the advent season on Saturday, December 1st at 8 am. ANNOUNCEMENTS Wednesdays with the Pastors Every Wednesday, Bob Mitchell, begins the day with a Morning Prayer Meeting at 6:30 am in Stewart Chapel! It s a wonderful way to greet the day and so, if you re an early riser, you might want to take advantage of this opportunity. Then Pastor Bob continues at 10 am with a Bible Study in Room 1 with Philip Yancey s study What s So Amazing About Grace. At 5 pm, dinner is available in the Fellowship Hall which is followed by Bell and Chancel Choir rehearsals. Then at 5:30 pm Pastor Mel will be presenting the following studies in the Assembly Room. November 7 th Post Soviet developments of the United Methodist Church in the Czech Republic November 14 th What can be learned from a historical Wesley tour? The Wesleys in Bristol, London and Cambridge, England. November 21 st - No class; enjoy Thanksgiving! November 28 th - Bible Study, the Parable of the Lost Son, Luke 15:11-32 Join us as we Celebrate 125 years in the heart of Mesa Schedule of Events: November 18th 9:00 a.m. Worship Service Guest Speaker: Bishop Bob Hoshibata November 16th 7:30 p.m. Organ Concert 10:00 a.m. Brunch in Fellowship Hall Guest Speaker: John Giles, Mayor of Mesa In order to get a count for the catered brunch, please RSVP your plans to attend and the number in your party to: 125rsvp@firstchurchofmesa.com Interested in Becoming a Member? If so, we are offering a Membership 101 class on November 11 at 10:30 in the West Conference Room. We would love to have you join us! Please contact the church office and let us know your intention to attend. Please Note The next Spire publication will be a combined issue for December/January.

3 Page 3 Thanksgiving Dinner for Foster Youth First Church of Mesa is once again partnering with Desert Foothills UMC to provide Thanksgiving Dinner to children in the foster care program on November 19. We welcome monetary donations for turkey and pie purchases, as well as signups for home baked pies. Watch for more information in upcoming bulletins. Holy Huddle for Laity and Clergy In order to better understand and prayerfully share our thoughts for our Church, Bishop Hoshibata is inviting laity and clergy to participate in a Holy Huddle on the Future of The United Methodist Church. This will take place on Saturday, November 17, for East District Lay and Clergy, 1:00 pm 4:30 pm at North Scottsdale UMC, N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale. We will be hearing some background material to set the stage for our Huddles, but much of our time will be spent sharing our thoughts with one another. There will also be time for questions from individuals. All of this will be bathed in a prayerful, worshipful spirit and will include holy communion. If you would like to ride-share please contact Pastor Mel. CHILDREN S MINISTRIES Thanks to everyone who helped make our annual Trunk or Treat a huge success! We could not have done it without all of your donations and our wonderful volunteers! YOUTH MINISTRIES Schedule of Events All events take place Sundays nights from 5 to 7 p.m. in the FLC and include a meal unless otherwise noted. Nov 4 Finish Extreme Youth Room Makeover Nov 11 Joy Program #2 Nov 18 Foster Youth Dinner Set-up & Game Night Nov 25 Sneaky Cards Scavenger Hunt Dec 2 11:30 1:30 Courtyard Towers November 17th 7 to 10 am First United Methodist of Mesa Publication Deadlines Sunday Bulletins / Announcements Wednesday Noon Spire Deadline All articles to be submitted to the church office no later than November 10th (Holidays and vacations may advance or delay these deadlines by a day or two.) Flowers To place flowers on the Lord s Table in honor or memory of someone special contact the Church Office at

4 Page 4 OUR VISION We strive to reach out to the community through: A ministry of continuous spiritual growth; A ministry with children, youth, and families in all their diversity, and; A ministry of music and the arts. Now Streaming Live! You can now watch the worship service live: FirstChurchMesa Visit firstchurchofmesa.com and start reaching out electronically to friends, family, and those who are looking for God!! NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS 11/01 Krouse, Dick 11/01 Leathers, Wesley 11/02 Jackson, Frank 11/03 Fathauer, Rex 11/04 Markovich, Matt 11/04 Tripoli, Joe 11/06 Markovich, Lois 11/07 Bunning, Jerry 11/07 Cummings-John, Shegun 11/07 Park, Bill 11/08 Lewis, Sandy 11/13 Russell, Jean 11/13 Tripoli, Mark 11/14 Rice, Bob 11/15 Delgadillo, Jordan 11/15 Hansen, Noah 11/16 Calhoun, Suana 11/16 Morckel, Arleen 11/16 Nesbitt, James 11/18 McPherson, Sarah 11/19 Gardner, Meg 11/19 Phillips, Rick 11/20 Price, David 11/22 Christensen, Lyle 11/22 Cummins, Jacklyn 11/22 Holly, Asa 11/22 Schatz, Mary 11/23 Stockwood, Randall 11/24 Thompson, Rebeccalynn 11/25 Elliott, Michael 11/25 Kuck, Scott 11/28 Libhart, Caryl 11/28 Moreland, Roger 11/29 Downin, Lois 11/29 Morrison, Jeanie 11/29 Rice, Margie 11/30 Fuchs, Betty NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES 11/05 Mozurkewich, Katie & Paul 11/22 Krouse, Dick & Marilyn 11/30 Jordan, Kerry & Alison Nov 7 Nov 14 Nov 21 Nov 28 Wednesday Night Dinner Menu Burgers Ham Dinner Turkey Dinner Roast Beef

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6 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE SPIRE, 15 E. 1st Ave., Mesa AZ DATED MATERIAL DO NOT DELAY Pastors: Rev. Mel Munchinsky Rev. Dr. Bob Mitchell Rev. Cecil Lackore - Pastor Emeritus THE SPIRE (USMC ) is published monthly, by the First United Methodist Church, 15 East First Avenue, Mesa AZ 85210, a nonprofit organization. Periodical postage paid at Mesa AZ THE SPIRE First United Methodist Church 15 E. First Ave. Mesa, AZ fax Spire Submissions: admin@firstchurchofmesa.com Office Hours: 9 am - 2:00 pm Monday - Thursday The deadline for submission of articles for the next issue is November 10, 2018 The Spire Newsletter Team Editors & Printers: Katie Mozurkewich & Linda Phillips Assemblers: Irene Risser, Jan MacCarthy, & Margaret Desenberg Editorial Policies: The mission of The Spire is to be one communication source for the First United Methodist Church of Mesa. Other communication sources include s, the Sunday church bulletins and verbal announcements made at services or other official meetings. Chairpersons of Boards and Committees, coordinators, members and friends of First UMC may submit announcements, information or items of interest that relate to the mission of the church. The Editor shall reserve the right to either accept or reject articles, to edit for space, grammar and accuracy. Currently, the Spire is being published monthly. Deadline for submission of articles are published both in this newsletter and weekly bulletins.