Bracket Busters and the Hope of Easter

Transcription

1 First United Methodist Church 411 N. 4th Street Vincennes, IN A W o r d F r o m O u r P a s t o r... April 2018 Senior Pastor: Matt Swisher matt.swisher@inumc.com Administrative Assistant: Sabrina De Vries fumc@cinergymetro.net Treasurer: Jennifer Baumberger jb@cinergymetro.net Church Staff Director of Youth & Children s Ministries: Patrick Schutz vincennesfumcyouth@gmail.com Director of Music Ministry: Amy Hamm ahamm@vinu.edu Organists: Nancy Mathis mathisnancy@hotmail.com Ellen Bardole ebardole@yahoo.com Mark Snyder snydm@hotmail.com David Messer davidmesser575@gmail.com Aline Otten aotten1@alumni.jh.edu Worship Services Sundays Traditional Service: 9:30 am Sunday School 10:45 am Be sure to visit us on Facebook! or Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Bracket Busters and the Hope of Easter So, how have your NCAA tournament brackets looked this year? If it s anything like the majority of the country, your bracket was probably pretty messed up by the end of the first weekend. As I m writing this, the Final Four has been set with Villanova, Kansas, Michigan and Loyola-Chicago as the four teams to have emerged from each of their respective regionals. The NCAA tournament is always an exciting time of the year, especially when the underdogs prove to be the teams that have been overlooked and underrated. After all, who even pays attention when teams with initials are listed as #16 seeds. I know I don t and then something happens. For the first time in history, a #16 seed won against the team that I picked to win the whole thing. Going into this tournament, #16 seeds were in the first round of the tournament. That s right, in 33 years of playing this tournament, a #16 seed had never won. Frankly, they rarely even made it a close game. And then UMBC (University of Maryland Baltimore County) defeated the #1 overall seeded Virginia, by a lot. And now, #16 seeds are in the first round. So, Matt, why are you writing about the NCAA tournament in the church newsletter? Because this is a season of hope. Soon, we will gather to remember the most significant story in Christian history; the story that makes Christianity something that is a part of history in the first place. Early in the morning, on the third day, some women came to the tomb of Jesus only to find it empty. What they witnessed has changed the world, and gives an insurmountable hope to those who think their odds are too stacked against them. Death itself does not get the final say in this life. The (supposed) underdogs came away with one. I look forward to celebrating this great victory with you on Easter Sunday! Peace, Pastor Matt 1

2 2 Attendance March April 01 - Open Date April 08 - Dave & kay Hunter April Flower Calendar April 15 - Larry & Kay Henderson April 22 - Andrew & Lauren Hinz April 29 - Open Date Offering to Budget , , , , The Mission of The United Methodist Church: To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Our First Church Discipleship Process: To bring people to Christ; to help people grow in Christ; to serve all people for Christ If you would like to provide altar flowers in honor or memory of a loved one, please contact the church office ( ). April April 01 Easter Sunday Several Essential Questions: Is There Hope? April 08 Communion Give Thomas a Break! April 15 Guest Speaker April 22 I Want to Believe, But... The On-Demand God April 29 I Want to Believe, But... The Killjoy God 10:45 am 01 Daryle Riegle 03 Kay Henderson 05 Allison Hensley Charles L. Hedde, Sr. Family with his passing Cheryl Lacefield recovering from surgery Continual healing in left fracture of back Craig Watts Birthdays 08 Jennifer DeCoursey 14 Turner Dobbyn 16 Isabella Meier Denise George complications from chemo 19 John DeCoursey Grayce Lewis 20 Jeff Couchenour 24 Janet Guess 29 Diane Marczak Steve Powell April Anniversaries 12 Andrew & Megan Jennings 18 Dan & Lisa Miller 24 Matt & Jennifer Hensley Karen Jones - in bad health Kathy DeLisle Klipsch Family their son, Jacob, lost his life in Syria Knoll Family - Mike s passing Mary & Cheryl Our community, state & world People dealing with flooding Families dealing Nursery (ages 0-3) Rachel Melamed Family & Friends with passing of loved ones Beginner s Class (ages 3-5) Rachel passed away One Room Sunday School (K-5) Frances Swan Severe pain in lower back Middle/High School Jackie Worland College Those diagnosed with illnesses Adult Classes: Jason Williams Family Those traveling ICU he died in mining accident Wendee Thornton - diagnosed with WHO Jeff Couchenour - eyes uterine cancer - having surgery Home Builders June 1 15

3 C OMEDY There is a time to laugh... Ecclesiastes 3:4 O R N E R Know someone who needs recognition? or call in information to the church office for inclusion in the Mid-Week News and monthly Newsletter. In Loving Memory... Our good friend, Mike Knoll, passed away suddenly the morning of March 5th. Mike had been a member of our FUMC Family for 28 years and he will be greatly missed. First United Methodist Church Core Values As a congregation of believers in Jesus Christ desiring to faithfully fulfill our mission, we strive to do ministry remaining true to these core values: COMMUNITY We shall care about and address people s needs inside and outside the church. Titus 3:14 Matthew 7:12 We shall bring hope to the hopeless. Jeremiah 29:11 Romans 15:4-6 & 13 STEWARDSHIP We shall contribute our finances, time and talent to build God s kingdom. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 Charles L. Hedde passed away Saturday, March 10, Throughout his 91 years he was dedicated to his family, his country and his community. His broad shoulders were indicative of his extremely big heart. He will always remain a cherished member of our FUMC Family. Prayers are needed for the Klipsch Family in grieving the loss of their son, PRAYER We shall privately and publicly commune with God and connect with God s grace. Colossians 4:2 ENCOURAGEMENT 14 FUMC Biz Keeping you up-to-date with the latest church news... 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 WORSHIP We shall regularly attribute worth to God together as a body of believers. Hebrews 12:28 William Jacob Klipsch who lost his life in Syria the second week in March. Jacob was 36 years old and is already sorely missed. A memorial service will be held in the near future. Watch future publications for more information. Wills & Bequests... The Wills & Bequests Committee will be meeting on April 24th. If you would like to submit a request, please contact the church office for a request form. All forms should be turned in by April 18th. Psalm 29:2 Our core values act like bumpers on a bowling alley lane. They aren t our goal or objective, but as things we value they give us boundaries within which we operate to fulfill our mission., ~ 3

4 FILL-A-BOX is back! Thursday The GSH Oncology Department is accepting donations for their patient supply closet. Oncology patients who express a need will be distributed basic living and personal hygiene supplies. Bring in your donations and place them in the bins at the front of the Sanctuary. Items Needed Toothbrushes Conditioner Laundry Detergent Sponges Toothpaste Body Wash Dish Detergent All-Purpose Cleaner Mouthwash Bar Soap Hand Soap Trash Bags Floss Lotion Dryer Sheets Shampoo Q-Tips Lip Balm Mike, Judy, Chelsea & Sara McLear 1997 Kay, SoftShannan Kleenex&or Puffs Whaley 1989 David, Heather Incontinence Supplies (Underpads, briefs, diapers, male & female) It s time to finish the work. SOME MEMORIES never On April 3-5, 2018 the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA and our partners will gather in Washington, D.C. for a historic event to launch its Truth and Racial Justice Initiative. As we mark 50 years since the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, we will commit to do our part to eradicate the entrenched racism that grips the United States and paralyzes our ability to see every human being as equal. FADE Kate Thacker 1997 Life is Better with Friends Ted, Jane & Margie Wineman 1982 We challenge ourselves and our communities to join in truth-telling, leading to actions that right the wrongs, and, with God s grace, bring healing and wholeness to all people, and unity to the nation. CONFRONT racism, speak truth to ourselves, our communities and institutions, and stand against injustice. John, Nancy, Laura & Katy Mathis 1997 TRANSFORM the hearts, minds, and behaviors of people and structures that shape society. 4 AWAKEN ourselves to the truth that racism is ever-present, deeply rooted in American culture, and profoundly damaging to our communities. Alicia Wineman

5 Throwback A combined ministry of First United Methodist, St. John s UCC & First Christian (Disciples of Christ) Churches strives to be an outlet for the Middle & High School youth to practice their faith through weekly fun fellowship activities and/or opportunities to serve the community as Christians, while growing in faith, knowledge and love of Christ. CIA CHRISTIANS IN ACTION April 7 April 21 (Board van at FUMC) (Meet at Pet Port) Walking Pet Port Elite Air in Newburgh, IN 12-2 pm 1-5:30 pm April 15 April 29 Traveling Lunch Larry, Kay & Mark Henderson 1989 Mini-Golf Gasthof Amish Restaraunt David, Kay, Shannan & Heather Whaley 1989 (Meet at St. John s UCC) (Board van at FUMC) 12-2:30 pm SOME MEMORIES never FADE 1-4 pm Mission Trip! June Are you ready to build God s church... Literally?! This summer, we will be travelling to Gatlinburg, TN. And be working with Helping His Hands to raise a church. Sign-ups will be in Memorial Hall/the Gathering Place/Whitman Center. This trip will also be open to willing adults at a cost of $200 per adult, due by April 15th. Youth will be free. We will have an informational meeting on May 20th. Adults must be willing to be subject to a background check. st April 21 Grades K K--6 Dan, Diane, Lindsey, Megan & Morgan Marczak John, Nancy, Laura & Katy Mathis pm Walking the Pet Port 5

6 A p r i l Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 Staff Meeting - 12 pm CIA Youth Group Elite Air in Newburgh 1-5:30 pm Communion 15 CIA Youth Group Travelling Lunch 12-2:30 pm 16 Staff Meeting - 12 pm KFC & CIA Youth Group Walking Doggies at Pet Port 12-2 pm Deadline for May Newsletter items Administrative Council Meeting 7 pm 24 Wills & Bequests Meeting 7 pm Weekly Events unless otherwise noted on date CIA Youth Group Mini-Golf 1-4 pm Staff Meeting - 12 pm Sunday: Worship Service - 9:30 am (Kids Church during service) Sunday School - 10:45 am Monday: Morning Prayer Group - 10:00 am Thursday: Handbell Choir - 6:00 pm Chancel Choirs - 7:00 pm 8 9