MARCH 26 - APRIL VOLUME 197 ISSUE 7

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1 MARCH 26 - APRIL VOLUME 197 ISSUE 7 SERVING THE HUNGRY - EASTER BRUNCH P. 2 Learn more about this new event our Serving The Hungry program is offering to the homeless and impoverished community of Pensacola.

2 PASTORAL LETTER Dear Friends, Sunday, 26 March 2017, is the Fourth Sunday in Lent. One of the names for this Sunday is Refreshment Sunday. Because it is middle of Lent, it has sometimes been associated with the relaxation of Lenten disciplines. For example, in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and some other countries some take a break from fasting and enjoy simmel-cake, which is a light fruit cake with two layers of almond paste or marzipan, one in the middle and one on top, that is toasted, and eaten during the Easter period. In other words, on Refreshment Sunday, people take a break from self-denial and enjoy the taste of Easter, which is yet to come. In like manner, the Fourth Sunday in Lent, has often been called Mothering Sunday. In some parts of England, for instance, the custom of visiting one s mother, or of visiting the cathedral or mother church is practiced. And, of course, the words occurring in the traditional Epistle for the day, Jerusalem... which is the mother of us all (Gal 4:26) have been read and expounded in the Western Church. The Gospel lesson for Sunday is John chapter 9. We shall shorten it to John 9:1-7, 13-17; I suggest that you treat yourself to a York Peppermint Pattie and read the whole chapter. One of the collects for the Fourth Sunday in Lent can guide you in your reading and prayer. Almighty Father, giver of every good and perfect gift, who has made the light of your truth to shine in our hearts: Make us to walk as children of light in all goodness and righteousness, that we may have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. I look forward to seeing you in church this Sunday, on Light Sunday (no, not Lite Sunday!) Let your light shine! Come to worship God! Your pastor, Dr. Wesley H. Wachob Senior Pastor CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING March 27 6:00pm Wesley Abbey The next meeting of the Church Council is Monday, March 27 at 6:00pm in Wesley Abbey. We hope that all council members are planning to attend and, as always, the meetings are open to the entire congregation. CONGRATULATIONS Rollin Etheredge and Megan Fieleke on their marriage on March 11, Sarah Bullock on the birth of her daughter, Elliette Kathleen, born March 12, Proud grandparents are Bob & Liz Noyes and Larry & Donna Bullock. Proud Great Grandmother is Anne Bullock. Nicholas Noyes and Frances Marie Jacobi on their marriage on March 18, IN LOVE AND REMEMBRANCE TO Linda Marucci on the death of her mother in Virginia on March 20, The family of Kevin Slattery. Kevin died March 4, Chris and Julie Storey on the death of their infant twin daughter, Lili Louise Story on March 9, Our love and remembrance to Ron and Linda Anderson, Lili s grandparents. Hank Thompson on the death of his mother on March 10, Jenny and Nan Hurd on the death of their grandfather on March 10, The family of Edith Scrivner. Edith died March 15, Karen Montee on the death of her mother on March 17, MARCH 26 - APRIL VOLUME 197 ISSUE 7

3 FEATURE Easter Brunch We really want to think of ministry and serving as a yearround effort, not just something you do around Thanksgiving and Christmas, said Katie Ramsey, Chair of Serving the Hungry and the Missions Committee, as she filled boxes with donated food that would soon be delivered to families in need. In addition to the two weekly meals they provide to the homeless and impoverished community of Pensacola, the Serving The Hungry program at First Church has invited the community to a traditional holiday meal around Christmas each year. Katie continued to explain that there are many programs and events in Pensacola offered to the community during the holiday season and that First Church hopes to offer some variety. This year, the Serving The Hungry program is excited to invite our special guests to a traditional Easter Brunch on April 8th, at 11:00am in The Wright Place, complete with a beautifully set table and a meal of ham, collards, mac-n-cheese, rolls, and dessert; just like Grandma would make. When asked how the community responded to this event each year, Katie replied, They are always so thankful and really realize the importance of what it is. This program will a place for our church family to serve our guests and also sit down and share a meal with them. In past years whole families; grandparents, parents, and children as young as five have participated in this event. The Trivison family served last year and was greatly impacted by their time. Tracey Trivison stated, "Seeing the basic needs in our community is very humbling and makes you very grateful for all that you have. It's a good lesson for our children and a great reminder for us." Bella Trivison (8 Years Old) simply said, It makes my heart warm." Katie also sets aside time before the event to explain safety to the all volunteers as well as answer any questions that they might have about those that they are serving. Kids have a lot of questions, but they are generally very accepting of the answers. They aren t judging them, they just genuinely want to know, stated Katie. Not only is this a learning opportunity for the children, but for our adults as well. Katie explained, Both sides are seeing real people and learning about each other. It s a chance to talk about the Lord, pray with them, and for them." The Serving the Hungry program plans to expand this event to include a small worship service in future years. Their hope is that this event can meet the community's physical and spiritual needs while providing a place to educate our church family on the needs of those around us. Katie said it best, "If you sit with them you know them." If you would like to be a part of this wonderful event, contact Katie Ramsey at kmwramsey@gmail.com. April 8 11:00am The Wright Place FUMCPensacola.com 3

4 FEATURE EASTER LILY ORDERS $ 12 each HONOR, CELEBRATE, or MEMORIALIZE individuals or events. Please select one and print clearly. Make checks payable to FUMC. Payment must accompany order. Please complete the form below and turn it into the church office no later than Palm Sunday. o IN HONOR OF o IN CELEBRATION OF o IN MEMORY OF NAME PLACED BY TELEPHONE NUMBER 4 MARCH 26 - APRIL VOLUME 197 ISSUE 7

5 EASTER FUMCPensacola.com 5

6 ANNOUNCEMENTS WHAT'S HAPPENING FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH CHILDREN & FAMILY Contact: Lisa Bond VBS WORK DAYS April 1 and April 22 9:00am - Noon Come use your creative (or noncreative) skills to help put together the sets and decorations for this year s VBS. All ages are invited to join us. For more information, contact Lisa Bond. EASTER EGG HUNT April 2 12:30-1:30pm Alabama Sq. Children of all ages are invited to our annual Easter Egg Hunt. We will enjoy a picnic lunch, egg hunt, and fellowship. All families are asked to donate a dozen stuffed eggs (no chocolate) per child. They should be dropped off at the church office or Children s Ministries office by Sunday morning, March 26th. Please put your child s age group on the bag. An offering will be taken for lunch. Bring lawn chairs or blanket and Easter basket. FOURTH GRADE MYSTERY TRIP April Parent Meeting: April 2 10:20-10:50am All 4th graders are invited to go on our 3rd Annual 4th Grade Mystery Trip. We will leave after school on Friday and return early evening on Sunday. All parents interested in chaperoning please contact Lisa Bond. SUMMER CAMP July All third and fourth graders are invited to attend a Blue Lake Summer Camp: Blast! Mark your calendar and register at bluelakecamp.com. Early bird deadline is April 15th. CHURCH -WIDE CHURCH-WIDE SEDER MEAL April 13 6:00-7:00pm Youth Building All are invited to celebrate a special meal. The Passover Seder meal is an opportunity to remember and understand what Jesus did with his disciples at the Last Supper. After the dinner we will go over to the Maundy Thursday Service at 7:00pm. Reservations are required. Call the front or Denise Van Atta by Friday, April 10th. MS. BETTY OLLIFF'S 90TH BIRTHDAY April 21 Noon - 2:00pm The Wright Place Everyone is invited to help celebrate the 90th birthday of Ms. Betty Olliff. Please stop by The Wright Place on Friday, April 21st, between noon and 2:00pm to give Betty a birthday hug and enjoy some birthday cake. No gifts, please. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Contact: Lisa Bond LBond@FUMCPensacola.com ADULT CONFIRMATION CLASS Sundays 9:30am Perry Home, Rm 201 April 23 - May 14 Do you know as much as a Confirmand? Come learn some basic things that all confirmands need to know, including topics such as John Wesley, structure of the UMC, and what makes our faith unique. Please register by April 9th so we have adequate supplies. Lisa Bond to register. FAITH & FITNESS Mondays 5:30pm Outside Wesley Abbey Come join an accountability group which focuses on strength training, cardiovascular fitness, and core exercises. All levels of fitness are welcomed. For more information contact Denise Van Atta at dvanatta@fumcpensacola.com. FIFTY FORWARD Contact: Debra Tallman DTallman@FUMCPensacola.com LUNCH OUT April 13 11:30am Grand Marlin Join us for this month's Lunch Out at the Grand Marlin on Pensacola Beach. SILVER & GOLD April 27 10:30am The Wright Place $5.00/person Mark your calendars for next month's Silver & Gold program. Dolly Gibbons will enlighten us with her adventures to Antarctica. MEN ADVANCE RETREAT APRIL 21 5:00pm APRIL 22 Noon BLUE LAKE Using major motion clips as parables about our lives, speaker David Dusek, engages men of all spiritual levels. Do not miss this chance to fellowship. Registration forms are available at the church office, or by ing Frank at UMM.Frank@jfmoore.org. Register by April 7. MISSIONS Contact: Rev. Brandon Bures BBures@FUMCPensacola.com BACKPACK MINISTRY The Backpack Ministry is looking for two groups of volunteers that are interested in helping pack backpacks with provided goods and to deliver to elementary schools. Contact Katie Ramsey for more info SUIT YOURSELF VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Suit Yourself is in need of volunteers on Wednesdays from 9:00am - Noon to be "personal shoppers". There is also a need for plus-size business attire. Drop off times are Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9:00am - Noon. For more information contact: Suityourself.umw@gmail.com. 6 MARCH 26 - APRIL VOLUME 197 ISSUE 7

7 SERVICE TIMES MUSIC Contact: Dr. Rick Branch HYMNAL REPLACEMENT March 26 & April 2 9:00-11:00am Lobby Many of our hymnals are in bad condition and in need of replacement. First Church members will be able to donate hymnal(s) for $15 each in honor or memory of someone. Jackie and Wil Pergande will be in the Church Office lobby between services during one of the above days/ times to accept orders. Forms are also available in the church office. Cash or check made out to FUMC is accepted. ALTAR GUILD VOLUNTEER NEEDED The Altar Guild needs a volunteer to check sign-in sheets and pew envelopes for replacement once monthly. It requires approximately 30 minutes. Please let Rick know if you can help. K, 1ST, 2ND - 4TH GRADE CHOIRS April 9 Sing at 11:00am Come and sing for Palm Sunday. SUNDAY 8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00am & ICON AT 11:00am HANDBELL CHOIR April 5 Warm up 5:30pm, Service 6:00pm The handbell choir is playing for the Lenten service. They are also still looking for two additional members. Contact Rick for more info. SANCTUARY CHOIR March 26 Sing at 11:00am April 2 Sing at 8:00am April 9 Sing at 8:00am Rehearsals on the following Wednesdays during Lent will be from 6:45-8:15pm (right after the Lent Services). PRESCHOOL JOB OPENINGS FULL TIME TEACHING POSITIONS The Methodist Children's Academy currently has openings for multiple full time teachers. Please contact the Methodist Children's Academy at for more info. RUTH S KITCHEN Contact: Susie Schmidt SSchmidt@FUMCPensacola.com WEDNESDAY MEALS March 29 Spaghetti, Parmesan Toast, and Salad April 5 Picadillo, Black Beans, Yellow Rice, Salad, and Cornbread. SCOUTING CHILI COOK - OFF FUNDRAISER April 23 10:30am - 1:00pm The Wright Place $5.00/per ticket Boy Scout Troop 495 has been accepted to attend Sea Base in South Florida for summer camp in To make their trip possible, they are holding a chili cook-off to raise funds. The boys will each create a pot of chili. Each attendee will get a chance to vote for their favorite chili. The winning chef will receive an award. TWEEN Contact: Denise Van Atta DVanAtta@FUMCPensacola.com SUMMER SPLASH June 4-8 Join us for a week of fellowship, fun, and faith formation! Summer Splash is a messy, over the top, Vacation Bible School for students who have just completed fifth and sixth grades. Please contact Denise if you are interested in helping. stay connected YOUTH Contact: Denise Van Atta DVanAtta@FUMCPensacola.com fumcpensacola SENIOR MEETING March 26 12:15pm Students will decide who will represent them Senior Sunday and who will be their keynote speaker for the Senior Breakfast. EXODUS WEEKEND April 21 & 22 Thompson Property We believe that the senior year in our students' lives is a very special time. Graduating seniors are invited to learn how to gracefully exit the youth program and begin their journey into young adulthood while maintaining their faith and growing in their relationship with God. There will be great conversations, wonderful food, and fun fellowship opportunities! Discussions will include advocation verses vocation, how to manage your money, continuing to grow in faith while in college, and how to leave home and church. SCHOLARSHIPS All completed scholarship applications are due March 31. Applications are available online and in the church office. MID-HIGH WEEK June 4-8 Mid-High Week is a rewarding week, where students who have just completed seventh or eighth grade have fun and fellowship while learning to help, serve, and live like Jesus. Please contact Denise if you are interested in helping. ANNOUNCEMENTS FUMCPensacola.com 7

8 Six East Wright Street, Pensacola, Florida (office) (fax) inside this edition... The Methodist Witness is a biweekly newsletter published by First United Methodist Church of Pensacola. If you have information to be included in an upcoming edition, or you have any questions or comments regarding The Methodist Witness please contact the editor. Please Note: all information to be included is subject to approval and must be submitted by the appropriate deadlines. Kelsey Seager Editor of The Methodist Witness KSeager@FUMCpensacola.com...and more.

9 WHAT'S HAPPENING FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SUNDAY, 26 MARCH 4th Sunday in Lent 7:45 AM - 12:15 PM - Childcare Available EB 8:00 AM - Worship Service Main Sanctuary 9:00 AM - Perry Home Coffee Bar PH 9:30 AM - Worship Service Main Sanctuary 9:30 AM - Sunday School Various Locations 9:30 AM - Tour of First Church PH101 11:00 AM - ICON Worship Service WA 11:00 AM - Worship Service Main Sanctuary 3:00 PM - ECHO (Emerald Coast Honors Orchestra) WA 3:30 PM - Youth Praise Band YMC 4:30 PM - Sunday Night Youth Activities YMC/ ITRH 6:00 PM - Divorce Care PH101 7:30 PM - Male & Female Youth Ensembles ITRH MONDAY, 27 MARCH 7:30 AM - Senior High Bible Study Bagel Heads 9:30 AM - Preschool Chapel WA 11:00 AM - Serving The Hungry Plus MBP 2:00 PM - Members First Board Meeting PH101 2:30 PM - Chill Time for 4th Graders TCBY Cordova 4:15 PM - Handbells ITRH 5:15 PM - Finance Committee Meeting S117 5:30 PM - Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet GH 5:30 PM - Fitness and Faith Group Front Lawn 6:00 PM - Church Council WA 7:00 PM - Boy Scout Troop 495 YMC TUESDAY, 28 MARCH 7:15 AM - Senior High Bible Study Panera 9:00 AM - Suit Yourself OB 9:30 AM - Bridge Group Perry Home Gifts/ Coffee Bar 10:00 AM - Prayer Shawl Ministry PH101 11:45 AM - UMW Lunch Bunch PHP 3:00 PM - 4th Grade Downtown Chill Time 5:30 PM - Women In Politics DH WEDNESDAY, 29 MARCH 7:00 AM - Joe Harrell Men's Bible Study Group DH 7:30 AM - Dads Bible Study Panera Bread 9:00 AM - R&R Garages 9:00 AM - Suit Yourself OB 10:30 AM - Women at the Well PHP 12:00 PM - Fellowship Lunch DH 2:15 PM - Kid Connect HRAC/ITRH 2:30 PM - 5th Grade Bible Study Panera 5:00 PM - Fellowship Dinner WP 5:45 PM - Kids Gym & Childcare Available HRAC 6:00 PM - Lenten Service Main Sanctuary 6:45 PM - Adult Sanctuary Choir ITRH 6:45 PM - Young Professionals Bible Study THURSDAY, 30 MARCH 7:45 AM - 6th Grade Bible Study Panera 8:15 AM - Mid High Bible Study Panera 9:00 AM - Heather Mitchell Art Class PH201 9:30 AM - Mom s Bible Study E208 10:00 AM - Study of Prayer PH 11:00 AM - Serving The Hungry Plus MBP 3:30 PM - Third Grade Bible Study Cordova Mall 5:00 PM - Youth Success Week GH FRIDAY, 31 MARCH 6:45 AM - 6th Grade Bible Study Bagel Heads 6:45 AM - Youth Bible Study Bagel Heads 9:00 AM - MCA Spring Program WA SATURDAY, 01 APRIL 9:00 AM - VBS Work Day WA CALENDAR MARCH 26 - APRIL VOLUME 197 ISSUE 7 FUMCPensacola.com INSERT

10 SUNDAY, 02 APRIL 5th Sunday in Lent 7:45 AM - 12:15 PM - Childcare Available EB 8:00 AM - Worship Service Main Sanctuary 9:00 AM - Perry Home Coffee Bar PH 9:30 AM - Introduction to First Church PH101 9:30 AM - Worship Service Main Sanctuary 9:30 AM - Sunday School Various Locations 11:00 AM - ICON Worship Service WA 11:00 AM - Worship Service Main Sanctuary 12:30 PM - Easter Egg Hunt 3:00 PM - ECHO (Emerald Coast Honors Orchestra) WA 4:30 PM - Sunday Night Youth Activities YMC/ ITRH 6:00 PM - Divorce Care PH101 7:30 PM - Male & Female Youth Ensembles ITRH MONDAY, 03 APRIL 7:30 AM - Senior High Bible Study Bagel Heads 9:00 AM - Sewing Ministry FB 9:30 AM - Preschool Chapel WA 11:00 AM - Serving The Hungry Plus MBP 2:30 PM - Chill Time for 4th Graders TCBY Cordova 4:15 PM - Handbells ITRH 5:30 PM - Cub Scout Pack 99 YMC 5:30 PM - Fitness and Faith Group Front Lawn 6:00 PM - VBS Meeting E203 7:00 PM - Boy Scout Troop 495 YMC TUESDAY, 04 APRIL 7:15 AM - Senior High Bible Study Panera 9:00 AM - Suit Yourself OB 9:30 AM - Bridge Group PHCB 10:00 AM - Prayer Shawl Ministry PH101 11:45 AM - Take Stock Scholarship Lunch GH 3:00 PM - 4th Grade Downtown Chill Time 5:00 PM - UWF Choir Rehearsal Main Sanctuary 6:00 PM - UMW Friendship Group PH101 WEDNESDAY, 05 APRIL 7:00 AM - Joe Harrell Men's Bible Study Group DH 7:30 AM - Dads Bible Study Panera Bread 9:00 AM - R&R Garages 9:00 AM - Suit Yourself OB 10:30 AM - Women at the Well PHP 11:00 AM - Symphony Guild Luncheon GH 12:00 PM - Fellowship Lunch DH 2:15 PM - Kid Connect HRAC/ITRH 2:30 PM - 5th Grade Bible Study Panera 5:00 PM - Fellowship Dinner WP 5:45 PM - Kids Gym & Childcare Available HRAC 6:00 PM - Lenten Service Main Sanctuary 6:45 PM - Adult Sanctuary Choir ITRH 6:45 PM - Young Professionals Bible Study THURSDAY, 06 APRIL 7:45 AM - 6th Grade Bible Study Panera 8:15 AM - Mid High Bible Study Panera 9:00 AM - Heather Mitchell Art Class PH201 9:30 AM - Mom s Bible Study E208 10:00 AM - Study of Prayer PH 11:00 AM - Serving The Hungry Plus MBP 11:30 AM - Pensacola Heritage Lunch and Lecture DH 3:30 PM - Third Grade Bible Study Cordova Mall 5:00 PM - UWF Choir Rehearsal Main Sanctuary FRIDAY, 07 APRIL 6:45 AM - 6th Grade Bible Study Bagel Heads 6:45 AM - Youth Bible Study Bagel Heads 5:30 PM - Sacred Harp WA SATURDAY, 08 APRIL 11:00 AM - Serving the Hungry Easter Brunch WP S - Basement of Sanctuary EB - Education Building FB - Franklin Building HRAC - Henry Roberts Activities Center ITRH - Ike Terry Rehearsal Hall LEGEND JHL - Joe Harrell Library OB - Outreach Building PH - Perry Home PHCH - Coffee House WP - The Wright Place DH - Wright Place Dining Hall GH - Wright Place Great Hall WA - Wesley Abbey YB - Youth Building MBP- Miss Barbara's Place MARCH 26 - APRIL VOLUME 197 ISSUE 7 FUMCPensacola.com INSERT