THE COLUMNS. Leading People in New Life with Jesus. Inside... A STEPHEN MINISTRY CONGREGATION. First United Methodist Church

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Leading People in New Life with Jesus First United Methodist Church June 9, 2011 THE COLUMNS Vol.

.. 2 Welcome Back!... 2 Leadership Summit... 3 Sizzlin Senior Fun... 3 Won to be One.

.. 6 Upcoming Opportunities Thursdays, Youth Games in FLC, 7-8:30 Sunday, June 12 Confirmation

start through the line getting their boxes filled with a variety of food.

food distribution sponsored by First United Methodist Church. helped distribute food.

families of students she had at Richland people she knew were affected by the Sunday, June 12 Lunch

6:30-8:390pm Wednesday, June 15 Greeting Card ministry, 1:30pm Saturday, June 19 Box food at the

The church partnered with the Southeast Missouri Food Bank to provide fresh fruits, vegetables,

First UMC paid for the food from Project Hope donations.

1 Leading People in New Life with Jesus First United Methodist Church June 9, 2011 THE COLUMNS Vol. 32:12 Inside... Pastor s Note... 2 Food Distribution June 2, 2011 For Single Parents... 2 Celebrations... 2 Welcome Back!... 2 Leadership Summit... 3 Sizzlin Senior Fun... 3 Won to be One... 4 Consistency in Giving. 4 Youth News... 5 In Our Mailbox... 5 Information... 6 Upcoming Opportunities Thursdays, Youth Games in FLC, 7-8:30 Sunday, June 12 Confirmation Sunday People from First UMC joined with other volunteers to distribute free food in Morehouse Thursday, June 2. Bonnie Stewart and Debby DeWitt in left photo help bag fresh fruits and vegetables, before people start through the line getting their boxes filled with a variety of food. More than 100 families from the heavily flooded Morehouse area had food last week because of the food distribution sponsored by First United Methodist Church. helped distribute food. She explained that she had a unique experience because several of those who came for food were families of students she had at Richland people she knew were affected by the Sunday, June 12 Lunch with the Pastor for visitors, 12:15pm Monday, June 13, 20, 27 Single Parenting that Works, 6:30-8:390pm Wednesday, June 15 Greeting Card ministry, 1:30pm Saturday, June 19 Box food at the Food Bank, 9-12 Thursday, June 23 - Sizzlin Senior fun event, 1-3 p.m. The church partnered with the Southeast Missouri Food Bank to provide fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, frozen meat, many staple food items and cleaning supplies. First UMC paid for the food from Project Hope donations. Church volunteers helped distribute food, impacting the lives of both those who received the food and the workers. There were some really neat times, said Tammy Eifert, one of those who devastating flooding. She also noted that one family who came through had come to our church one evening for a shower and to get cleaning supplies. I knew how bad their situation was, she said. It was kind of emotional for me. It was just a touching day, she said. Her 14 -year-old son Josh, also mentioned being touched by the experience. He was handing out bread and was impacted Continued to page 3 A STEPHEN MINISTRY CONGREGATION

Learning Opportunity Seminar for Single Parents Rearing children is a challenge - especially for single parents.

Kim Maclin will facilitate a three-session experience called Single Parenting that Works. In it, Dr.

The DVD seminars with discussion are planned from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays, June 13, 20 and 27. Kim Maclin Register with Kim at 380-0387.

She acknowledges that her new venture is truly God-inspired. God has been laying it on my heart to do Christian counseling after I retire, Kim said.

2 Learning Opportunity Seminar for Single Parents Rearing children is a challenge - especially for single parents. An upcoming video seminar can help single parents discover how to raise well-balanced children in an off-balanced world. Kim Maclin will facilitate a three-session experience called Single Parenting that Works. In it, Dr. Kevin Leman provides encouragement, tips and proven principles that single parents can put to use the moment they walk out of the study. The DVD seminars with discussion are planned from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays, June 13, 20 and 27. Kim Maclin Register with Kim at Christian Counseling Offered Here Kim, a licensed professional counselor and member of First UMC, also announces her Hope s Waiting Christian Counseling Center. She acknowledges that her new venture is truly God-inspired. God has been laying it on my heart to do Christian counseling after I retire, Kim said. Open for evening appointments here at the church through the next year, the center will expand its hours after she retires from the public school system in The Biblically-based counseling is available for children, adolescents and adults. She can provide premarital counseling, marriage counseling, individual adult counseling, as well as parent-child/adolescent counseling. An educator, counselor and psychological examiner in schools for 30 years, Kim is specially trained in Prepare-Enrich Marriage Counseling She earned a master of arts in counseling in 2002 and a specialist in counseling in 2005 from Southeast Missouri State University. Morehouse Work Day Saturday, June 11 Meet at church at 7:30 a.m. Wear sturdy shoes, bring gloves. Celebrations.College Graduates in Church Family We are proud of all our college graduates. If you have a college graduate this year, please let the church office know so we can celebrate with your family. Matthew Davis graduated from Webster University in St. Louis on May 7 with a Bachelor s Degree in Audio Production. He is employed with KDHX-88.1 FM in St. Louis. He is the son of Jerry and Debby Davis, grandson of Betty Frame, and nephew of Dale Frame of our congregation. ~ ~ ~ ~ Birth Congratulations to Ann and Brad Aycock on the birth of their second son, Ryan David Aycock! He was born June 2, weighing 8 pounds 2 ounces. Brad is Worship Coordinator here at First UMC. Page 2...Pastor s Note When a crisis happens, and the victims are visible in the news media, people respond generously. As time passes, and as the media goes on to other matters, response starts to dwindle. For those who have experienced crushing loss, however, the need continues for months, and even years. Places like Tuscaloosa AL, Morehouse MO, and Joplin MO face this right now. We need to let them know that the Body of Christ is still with them and will remain with them for the duration. Our next workday in Morehouse will be Saturday, June 11 - meeting at the church at 7:30 to be at Morehouse at 8 a.m., and working until about 2. We will continue work on flood-damaged homes. We also need people willing to make short-term trips to Tuscaloosa and Joplin to help with Tornado recovery. (Dates to be arranged this week.) Help be the Body of Christ, the hope of the world for God's children in crisis. Sign up by contacting me at geoff@thefunchurch.org. By Jesus own design, we are the body of Jesus. Geoff Posegate...Annual Conference Welcome Back! By action of Bishop Robert Schnase, presiding elder of the Missouri Annual Conference of United Methodist Churches, Geoff Posegate has been appointed to a seventh year as pastor of this church. Appointments were just part of the Conference gathering June 3-6 in Springfield. Pastor Geoff and Sally Lape, represented our church as delegates. Also attending were Bob Depro, who ushered, and Rachel Hopson and Ben Priday, youth delegates. Sikeston First UMC S was honored to have two videos presented to the 1,350+ delegates. The first outlined the growth since the Healthy Church Initiative. The second video was about how this church reached out to others through the Hope Epidemic. Former First UMC Pastor Charles Buck was honored with others on his retirement. Also, Bryan Schaefer, who grew up in Sikeston First UMC, was ordained. His parents are Gary and Karen Schaefer of our church family.

...Morehouse Food Distribution Continued from page 1. by how appreciative some people were for just a loaf of bread.

The doors opened on the trucks and food and supplies started pouring out Nathan Persell and Cliff McCoy stock the tables before the like flood gates being opened with hope, she said.

disappeared and there was evidence of caring and hope for those that needed it, whether hungry for food, or just a smile or a word of affirmation, Terri added.

The student helped with the distribution, carrying boxes for people, before receiving food. Everyone was kind and seemed appreciative. They were glad for what they got.

Here in Sikeston, we have seen what happens when the church has left the building. It s about impact changing lives, changing communities, changing the world.

A leader is someone God has called and equipped to do his or her part in leading people in new life with Jesus.

The summit will be broadcast worldwide, Aug. 1112 from Willow Creek Community Church in the Chicago area. The local satellite link will be at LaCroix United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau.

3 ...Morehouse Food Distribution Continued from page 1. by how appreciative some people were for just a loaf of bread. God s love and hope were apparent that day to Terri Matthews, as volunteers became a body of workers with the common goal of getting food distributed to those in need. The doors opened on the trucks and food and supplies started pouring out Nathan Persell and Cliff McCoy stock the tables before the like flood gates being opened with hope, she said. distribution begins, as Nannette Morris, right, in photo at left Helping hands were in action. As the day went on, the supplies records the names of recipients. disappeared and there was evidence of caring and hope for those that needed it, whether hungry for food, or just a smile or a word of affirmation, Terri added. Debbie Brinkman also enjoyed the experience. Like Tammy, she felt a personal relationship in that one family helped was a former student affected by the flooding. The student helped with the distribution, carrying boxes for people, before receiving food. Everyone was kind and seemed appreciative. They were glad for what they got....strengthening Leaders Summit Broadcast in Cape By Jesus own design, we are the body of Jesus the risen Christ. The local church is the hope for the world. Here in Sikeston, we have seen what happens when the church has left the building. It s about impact changing lives, changing communities, changing the world. The local church has that impact when leaders lead effectively. Leaders are not just those who stand behind pulpits and chair committees. Every Jesus follower is a leader. A leader is someone God has called and equipped to do his or her part in leading people in new life with Jesus. The Global Leadership Summit coming in August can strengthen, challenge and heighten your role as a leader in your work, your family and in following Jesus. The summit will be broadcast worldwide, Aug from Willow Creek Community Church in the Chicago area. The local satellite link will be at LaCroix United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau. First UMC of Sikeston is a partner church. We have 25 spots available for the Cape Girardeau summit broadcast at $99 each. If you are interested in learning more about the summit, go to If you are interested in attending the satellite broadcast in Cape Girardeau, please contact the church office, or 1stumc@sikestonfirstumc.org or Pastor Geoff Posegate, Geoff@thefunchurch.org for details. Page 3 Sizzlin Seniors Fun! June p.m. At the church Fellowship, Fun, Refreshments! Our Senior Adult Ministries Director Elaine Posegate is planning a fun afternoon. There was lots of chatter and some bragging from participants after the last such event, so you won t want to miss the fun this time! Partnership with Y Again this summer, we are partnering with the YMCA to provide a location for part of their summer day camp program. The 4th and 5th graders, and Counselors in Training are in our facility from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through Aug. 12. This great program meets a very real need in our community for quality day

Former FUMC Pastor Urges Unity All Christians united in Jesus Christ. That is the goal of a recently published book by former First UMC Pastor Dr. Jim Davis. However Dr.

Won to be One was actually begun about 20 years ago and was in the process when Dr. Jim served as senior pastor of First UMC from 1997 to 2001.

He uses scripture throughout the book to illustrate the many times Christ called for unity, pointing particularly to Jesus prayer in John 17:20-21: My prayer is not for them alone.

May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. He also points to other prayers of Jesus, such as his prayer at Gethsemane before his crucifixion and the Lord s Prayer.

Jim Davis and his new book, Won to be One He is concerned that denominations in particular have lost their way and he calls on the laity to bring the focus back to doing the will of God alone.

a house divided against itself will fall. If the will of Jesus is what it s all about, we are equals, Dr. Jim said. He points to a time when he was serving in St.

4 Former FUMC Pastor Urges Unity All Christians united in Jesus Christ. That is the goal of a recently published book by former First UMC Pastor Dr. Jim Davis. However Dr. Jim, as he is known to this church family and his students at The Christian Academy, emphasizes it is not his book but God s book. Won to be One was actually begun about 20 years ago and was in the process when Dr. Jim served as senior pastor of First UMC from 1997 to He points out that unity is something that Jesus Christ calls us to do. He uses scripture throughout the book to illustrate the many times Christ called for unity, pointing particularly to Jesus prayer in John 17:20-21: My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. He also points to other prayers of Jesus, such as his prayer at Gethsemane before his crucifixion and the Lord s Prayer. Page 4 Dr. Jim Davis and his new book, Won to be One He is concerned that denominations in particular have lost their way and he calls on the laity to bring the focus back to doing the will of God alone. When denominations don t cooperate, the body of Christ suffers because as Jesus said in Luke 11:17: Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall. If the will of Jesus is what it s all about, we are equals, Dr. Jim said. He points to a time when he was serving in St. Louis and was working to get 10 denominations to go together to offer summer camping. One by one the denominations dropped out of the process, until only three were involved. They put their denomination ahead of Jesus, he said. At times through his years in the ministry, he has seen people of different denominations come together when the focus is on Christ and doing his will in helping others. The book is being used as a Bible/spiritual study by some because, as he said, it s Jesus words. He tackles not only organizations, but believers, pastors, prayer and forgiveness. With the book designed for the laity, he reminds us that the purpose of a Christian is to do the will of Christ to go and make disciples. He calls on everyone to make Christ number one in their lives. The title comes from the idea that Jesus won victory over our sins through his death and resurrection so that we could be one with him. Jesus is calling us to do it, he said. The Holy Spirit will provide the energy and strength. It has been so exciting, he said of the book publication. I ve had great response, but it is a humbling experience. Books are available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble online. Through his 60 years in the ministry (he started preaching when he was 11), Dr. Jim has come to realize the children s ministry is most important. They make better disciples than the adults, he said, and can bring a family to church and to God. Whatever the weather No matter the forecast, weather can remind us of God s presence: When it s sunny, remember that Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12). When it s cloudy, remember that God often spoke to and guided his people from a cloud (Exodus 13:21-22.) During a thunderstorm, remember the thunder and lightning when God beckoned Moses to...thank You! Consistency in Giving Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. Luke 6:38 (NIV) Thank you for your faithful financial support in helping this church fulfill its mission of leading people in new life with Jesus. What a blessing from God! The stewardship of the congregation has been wonderful during the first five months of 2011, Finance Chairman Michelle Boldrey said. Donations this year are up 21% over this time last year. Thank you for your faithfulness and letting God lead you! First UMC would like to offer a solution for tithing for those who are busy and traveling during the summer months, Michelle added. In the summer, giving declines in most churches as people travel and are involved in summer activities. This year, we can offer those who may be out of town, an easy option to keep their support of ministries through this church steady. E-tithing is the electronic transfer of funds from your checking or savings account to the church. It is easy, safe, convenient and free to both you and the church. You can choose whether to give as a one-time gift, weekly or monthly. A few benefits to e-tithing: Step out in faith by deciding in advance to live faithfully in response to the word of God to give and support the ministry and mission of the church. Simplify your life by giving automatically on the schedule you decide. No writing a check, remembering to bring it, or mailing it to church if you are absent. Fulfill good intentions by not missing your regular giving. Help First UMC by making income more consistent we can be better stewards of resources from God. It s easy to sign up - just fill out a form (available in lobby and office), turn it in to the church office with a voided check. Contact Sandy Brashear, our Financial Secretary, in the church office for additional information ( or sbrashear@sikestonfirstumc.org.)

5 Youth Ministries Confirmation This Sunday! Ten young people will profess their faith and be confirmed into First United Methodist Church this Sunday, June 12. Between the two Sunday services, the Nurture Committee will honor the confirmands and their family with a brunch. Watch for information in the next newsletter about the students who are taking this important step in their faith journeys. Weekly Youth Activities Sundays, 6-8 p.m. - Youth Fellowship in the Family Life Center Thursday, 7-8:30 p.m. - Youth games in Family Life Center...In Our Mailbox Thank you so much for everything! You guys are the best! MeKenzi Walker, Faithful Disciple Scholarship recipient Thank you so much for the delicious brunch in honor of my high school graduation. I am sure the insulated mug will come in handy for hot chocolate or coffee on those late study nights. I feel blessed to have such a wonderful church family. Mary Eifert Thank you so much for the gift during finals week. It s always good to be reminded of how blessed I am to have such a supportive church family. Thanks again for thinking of me. Love, Addie Vaughn. Thank you to ROC Readers for your support of the Head Start Program. It is only through the active participation of devoted volunteers like you that help keep our children growing and learning. Sherri Ragan The House of Refuge would like to thank you for the clothes and work scrubs that you so graciously donated to our facility. There are many times that these very items are needed, but are not in our reach. Thanks to you, now the women who come here and have jobs in that field can rely on having those items within the facility. As you know, we sometimes get women that come here with jobs and some that are in search of jobs, and most do not have the money to purchase items that are needed for interview or work. We are so glad that in your time of giving you thought of us, and it is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, the House of Refuge Staff Thank you for the graduation gifts. Eric Sharp Grace be with all who have an undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 6:24 Thank you for the van load of clothes that you gave to the Susanna Wesley Family Learning Center. Your donation will help people in need. Fifteen students will receive their GED at a graduation ceremony on June 28, 2011 at the Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church. One graduate has a scholarship for college. The Elder Abuse training session was held in Charleston United Methodist Church on May The main idea was to coordinate all authorities and others who see elder abuse. We appreciate your help. Thank you. Sincerely, Susanna Wesley Family Learning Center staff and board Page 5 Our Joys & Concerns First United Methodist Church is a praying community, continuing the relationship with each other by name in prayer concerns to God. However, respecting privacy of individuals, we do not publish the prayer request list on the web. Remember in your prayers Mucocane United Methodist Church, our partner church in Mozambique, Africa. Please use the energy of prayer to invite God's presence into the needs you know and those of the our world.. Whatever the Weather No matter the forecast, weather can remind us of God s presence: When it s sunny, remember that Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12). When it s cloudy, remember that God often spoke to and guided his people from a cloud (Exodus 13:21-22.) During a thunderstorm, remember the thunder and lightning when God beckoned Moses to Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16). When it rains or snows, remember that God s Word serves his purpose just as precipitation does (Isaiah 55:10-11). When it s windy, recall that a wind from God came at creation (Genesis 1:2), and God s Holy Spirit arrived at Pentecost like a mighty wind (Acts 2:2). Fresh look at Pentecost Fifty days after Jesus resurrection, on a day called Pente-cost, the Christian church was born. Because The apostles and a large crowd had gathered to celebrate the harvest in Jerusalem. Many people had assembled near the followers of Christ when [F]rom heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind (Acts 2:2 ff, NRSV). Then tongues of fire descended on everyone in the crowd. After the wind and fire descended, all sorts of languages, known and unknown, came out of the crowd. Each person spoke about God s deeds of power (verse 11). The whole affair was mind-boggling and life-changing. On Pentecost many years ago, some 3,000 people came to believe in Christ. That s why today we remember this powerful event as the birthday of the church. Pentecost occurs June 12 this year. Sikeston First UMC celebrates Confirmation on the Day of Pentecost.

First United Methodist Church Sikeston, Missouri First United Methodist Church Columns Published every other week by First United Methodist Church, 1307 N. Main St.

WWW. TH EF UNCHUR CH. ORG P AST OR G E OFF S B L OG: WWW.PADDLINGON.BLOGSPOT.

Still standing in downtown Sikeston after the dome church burned in 1968, they represent the hope and determination of the people of this church to serve God and our community.

Serving on Sundays Ushers for Traditions(9am): June 12: Jim and Libby Caskey, Ron & Tammy Eifert, David & Traci Jones June 19: Vicki Estes, Joan Nall, Penny Hunter, Terry Sapp, Bett Jobe, Peggy Ham

6 First United Methodist Church Sikeston, Missouri First United Methodist Church Columns Published every other week by First United Methodist Church, 1307 N. Main St., Sikeston, MO POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to above address. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Life-Sustaining Food Seminar for Single Parents Unity in Christ urged C HECK O U T T HE W EB S IT E! WWW. TH EF UNCHUR CH. ORG P AST OR G E OFF S B L OG: Second Class postage paid Sikeston, MO (publication # UMP ) The Columns The Columns are a visual symbol of the history and forward-focused faith of First United Methodist Church of Sikeston. Still standing in downtown Sikeston after the dome church burned in 1968, they represent the hope and determination of the people of this church to serve God and our community. Today, we are encouraged by all those who have gone before us in upholding the faith and Leading People in New Life with Jesus. Serving on Sundays Ushers for Traditions(9am): June 12: Jim and Libby Caskey, Ron & Tammy Eifert, David & Traci Jones June 19: Vicki Estes, Joan Nall, Penny Hunter, Terry Sapp, Bett Jobe, Peggy Ham Greeters for Journey (11am): June 11: Terri & David Matthews June 12: Tina Piepenbrok, Rachelle Johnson, Greg Morrison, Mike & Linda Cravens, Lynis Baugher June 18: Julie Aycock, Penney Limbach June 19: Dee Beydler, Lacey Alsup, Tonia Pillers, Michelle & Mike Worth, Patti Oetting Nursery Volunteers: June 12: Carrie Walton June 19: Sally Lape Information for Guests and New Members Welcome to First United Methodist Church! Regular Worship Opportunities 5 p.m. Saturday in the Chapel 6 p.m. Saturday in the Family Life Ctr 9 a.m. Sunday in the Sanctuary 11 a.m. Sunday in the Family Life Ctr. Shaping Opportunities All ages at 10 a.m. Sundays Nursery A nursery is provided during all Sunday services and Shaping Hour. It is located east of the lobby by the sanctuary. Please see a greeter for directions. Address: 1307 N. Main St., P.O. Box 682, Sikeston, MO Phone Website: 1stumc@sikestonfirstumc.org Staff Geoff Posegate - Pastor Brad Aycock - Worship Coordinator Marilyn Lambert - Discipleship Growth Coordinator Jill Hopson - Young Families Director Elaine Posegate - Senior Adult Ministries Nathan Persell - Youth Director Pat Marsh - Administrative Assistant Sandy Brashear - Financial Assistant Ken Nave - Custodian Terry Sapp - Choir Director Judy Nickell - Organist Harry Howard - Saturday Pianist Dub Pierce - Band Leader Cornelia Reed - Kitchen Director Stacy Anderson - Childcare worker Stephen Ministry Church This one-on-one lay ministry aids those facing some of life s trials. Contact the church office or a pastor for details. Next Newsletter Deadline: June 16 Page 6

THE COLUMNS. and how. years and this year was. our students who attended: Wes Kelly, she went. The speakers were amazing!

THE COLUMNS. and how. years and this year was. our students who attended: Wes Kelly, she went. The speakers were amazing! Leading People in New Life with Jesus First United Methodist Church July 28, 2011 Vol. 32:14 THE COLUMNS Inside... Pastor s Note... 2 Youth Fundraiser... 2 Grace Land preps... 2 August birthdays... 3 August