THE SPIRE THOUGHTS FROM THE FARRER SIDE. SEPTEMBER Share the Journey ipraise iconnect iserve. Volume 44, Issue 6

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1 Volume 44, Issue 6 SEPTEMBER 2013 Special points of interest: Our Vision Publication THE SPIRE Spire Deadline Altar flowers Church hours Electronic giving Go green Church calendar Inside this issue: Service Schedule 2 Church Council 3-5 Announcements 6 Choir News/FLC Youth Ministries Birthday & Anniversary Corner 7 9 THOUGHTS FROM THE FARRER SIDE. Wow!! It is so hard to believe the summer is already coming to an end and fall is bearing down upon us! I think all of us are looking for a break from the summer heat and the arrival of cooler temperatures. I personally am looking forward to so much in this upcoming year. But before we rush into the new season, I want to say a word of thanksgiving to God and to our wonderful church. It is important that we celebrate the highest summer attendance in almost ten years! In light of that, I am excited about the new things that are happening. By the time you read this, we will have already kicked-off our new Wednesday Night Live program with classes for personal and spiritual growth and a new and expanded meal menu one where youth and children eat free! I am happy to celebrate as we welcome new leadership this fall: Joan Wilder-Siersma as Children s Coordinator, Janna Jennison-Jones as Children s Choir Director, Troy MacDonald as the Youth Band Director and a group of dedicated adults in new and returning volunteer positions in our Youth Ministry. The above group includes: Andy & Diana Smith in Senior High Sunday school; Christi Chapman and John Moore in Junior High Sunday School; Gavin Rittenhouse in Youth Choir; and Mark Tripoli, Lisa Kaleopa, Kerry Jordan, Krissi Sellers and Shelly Hightower as Youth Leaders. Every once in awhile, I hear someone say the church has few volunteers. I must say that I feel just the opposite. First Church will continue to move forward into God s vision on the backs of and through the work of great lay people doing great things!! In Christ, Pastor Jim firstchurchofmesa.com Share the Journey ipraise iconnect iserve

2 Page 2 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. UPCOMING SERVICES September 1st Communion Sunday Sermon Series: Parents Say the Darndest Things Sermon Title: Just Ignore Them September 8th Sermon Series: Sermons I Would Preach With My Last Breath Sermon Title: What Does the Lord Require? September 15th Sermon Series: Sermons I Would Preach With My Last Breath Sermon Title: Be Transformed! October 6th World Communion Sunday Sermon Title: We Are One Body October 13th Guest Preacher Jeri Wilkerson October 20th Sermon Series: Putting God First in Living and Giving Sermon Title: Naming Our Idols LIKED THE SERMON? You can now download the sermons onto your Ipod or listen via your computer. Visit firstchurchofmesa.com and start reaching out electronically to friends, family, and those who are looking for God! September 22nd Sermon Series: Sermons I Would Preach With My Last Breath Sermon Title: Judging Others September 29th Sermon Series: Sermons I Would Preach With My Last Breath October 27th Sermon Series: Putting God First in Living and Giving Sermon Title: Money, Work and Debt

3 Page 3 CHURCH COUNCIL The following reports reflect the goal of FUMC s Church Council - connecting our vision with our ministry: MISSIONS WAY TO GO FIRST CHURCH FAMILY!!!!! THANK YOU FOR BEING A BLESSING!! BECAUSE OF YOUR GENEROSITY MANY KIDS RETURNED TO SCHOOL WITH WHAT THEY NEEDED!! *29 Rulers*25 Binders*36 Pkgs. Filler Paper*3 Tablets Grade School Lined Paper*103 Notebook Paper (spiral/composition)*1 Graph Paper*86 Folders (2-pocket style)*13 Backpacks*60 Pkgs of Pencils*18 Pencil Boxes*8 Pencil Sharpeners*4 Pkgs of 3x5 Cards*76 Boxes of Crayons*6 Calculators*23 Pkgs of Erasers*10 Scissors*7Pkgs of Highlighters*10 Boxes of Colored Pencils*22 Pkgs of Ink Pens* 29 Pkgs of Washable Markers*32 Bottles of School Glue*90 Individual Glue Sticks*3 Pkgs of Tissue*5 Boxes of Flash Cards*3 Bottles of Hand Sanitizer*1 Set of Water Paints*1 Pkg of Colored Paper AND Assorted Stickers!!!!!!!!!! J Joan Wilder-Siersma Missions Chair WELCOMING MINISTRY Thanks to all who attended and assisted with our Getting to Know You Potluck! UPCOMING EVENT: On Sunday, October 20, we as a congregation will be honoring the Vietnam Vets. We will have a special recognition during the 9:00 service as well as a reception during fellowship time. If anyone knows a Vietnam vet, please extend an invitation to join us for worship on October 20. If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Likens. FINANCE COMMITTEE Our total income year to date as of July 31st is $321,944 compared with $327,635 as of July 31, 2012 and a 2013 budgeted amount of $347,229. Year-to-date expenses as of July 31st total $344,840 versus $326,112 as of July 31, Year-to-date budgeted expenses as of July 31st are $359,921. The Committee expresses its gratitude and admiration for all those dedicated members of the congregation who regularly support the church with their financial gifts and also those who have made extra gifts during the year. Publication Deadlines Sunday Bulletins / Announcements Wednesday Noon Spire Deadline All articles to be submitted to the church office no later than September 10th (Holidays and vacations may advance or delay these deadlines by a day or two.) Flowers To place flowers on the sanctuary in honor or memory of someone special contact the Church Office at Mike Elliott Finance Chair

4 Page 4 CHURCH OFFICE HOURS M-TH: 9 4:30 pm Friday: 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 PRAYER Mark your calendar for SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2013, 8:30 a.m. to noon! Dr. Jim Farrer will lead a prayer seminar at FUMC in the Assembly Room. This will be a great opportunity to spend time renewing and strengthening your prayer life! Make it a family event! Invite your friends and neighbors! Invite the person who sits in your pew on Sunday! A church can make an incredible impact when it's people pray! Praise The Lord! More information will be available later. It you have questions call Virgil Schatz, WORSHIP COMMITTEE On All Saints Sunday, November 3, 2013, our church will celebrate the lives of family members and friends that have passed since November of last year (2012). The Worship Committee would like your help in securing the names of those you who would like to remember and recognize on All Saints Sunday. Please, call Virginia Berg at and give the committee the names and information. FREE MONEY! Did I get your attention? For years several of our members have been shopping at Albertson s and the benefit of their use of their Albertson s card supports the needs of our van which carries folks to church on Sunday Morning Two years ago we contracted with Fry s and many of us bought Fry s gift cards which we can use for groceries, gas, and any other purchases in a Fry s store.we simply re-load them at the cash register. The FREE money from the use of those cards benefits the worship committee and the supplies that help to make our worship so meaningful. This fall Linda Miller will again be ready to make Fry s cards available for your FREE MONEY for FUMC (if you are still using the Albertson s card, please get in touch with Linda when she returns in October.) You can get involved let Linda know you want to help with these programs. Plan to get gift cards for Christmas gifts Sandra Lackore Worship Chair

5 Page 5 SPRC SPRC would like to welcome Joan Siersma-Wilder to the staff as our new Children's Ministry Coordinator. Joan will bring a new energy and perspective to our Children's Ministry. She has served as a Sunday School teacher, volunteered in VBS and has served on the Children's Ministry Committee. She also volunteers in many other aspects of FUMC. Joan has a love for our children and the ministry to them. Two of our contemporary musicians from Acts 29 have joined our staff. Janna Jennison-Jones has accepted the position of Children's Choir Director and Troy MacDonald will now be leading the Youth Band. Eric Everett has resigned as Youth/Children's Ministry Director. SPRC is now in the process of searching for a new Youth Ministry Director and hopes to fill the position by the end of October. Pastor Appreciation will be coming up in October it is tentatively scheduled for the 27th. Cake will be served after first service in Fellowship Hall. There will be a letter with a giving envelope coming in the mail soon so you can show your appreciation for Pastor Jim and Pastor Bob's hard work that they do own behalf of our church, the congregation and the community. There will also be baskets at the door for any cards or notes of appreciation. MARKETING The Marketing Committee is happy to announce our newest member, Kara Karlson. She brings us some experience in web development that has been invaluable. Here is what the Marketing Committee is up to: Virginia Berg is on track toward creating an event this fall that recognizes the historic milestones of First Church this year. The Southwest District office gave approval to the trustees to see official landmark status for the church. I've developed a timeline and are working on documentation that the city needs. Under the leadership of Katie Mozurkewich, Ryan Kain and Kara, we have made significant progress toward redeveloping our website. They have picked Jessica Dominguez to develop and implement a Wordpress driven site. The significance is that Wordpress will be much easier for Katie to update and keep current in large part through tools that pick up what she has already posted on Facebook and Youtube. While this will make the site more efficient and fresh, we also aim to organize and create the standing content that will help those looking for a church find us and pick our church as one they want to visit. Recently, Kara led the working group through a tedious but essential process of developing a site map. That's the foundation for our site. By the time you read this we should be well on our way to updating our website content. Jim Ripley Marketing Chair HELP US GET IT RIGHT AND GO GREEN If your name or address is incorrect; if you prefer to receive this newsletter electronically; or you want your name removed from our mailing list, please let us know and we will be happy to make the changes. We appreciate your help! Church Calendar Is now available on the church website at firstchurchofmesa.com/ news/index.html

6 Page 6 What if Church Left the Building? FAITH IN ACTION 2013 Sunday November10th ANNOUNCEMENTS First United Methodist Church of Mesa is truly a historic church. Founded 120 years ago by Dr. and Mrs. Wilbur, it has a history to be proud of and celebrated marks some significant anniversaries to celebrate: 120 years ago (1893) Our church was started 100 years ago (1913) The old church building was built 60 years ago (1953) The cornerstone was laid for our present church building 20 years ago (1993) Our current organ was installed As part of our anniversary celebration this fall, we would like to know if you have an association with the 1913 building did you worship there, attend scouting there or were you there for the decommissioning? We would also like to know if any of you were there 60 years ago for the laying of the cornerstone for our church in If either of these apply, please contact Virginia Berg at or her at Richard_Berg@msn.com. Mark Your Calendars! Sunday, October 27, 2013 Hymnal dedication Recognition of those who were present at laying of the cornerstone in 1953 Pastor Appreciation Sunday Sunday, November 3, 2013 All Saint s Sunday The 120 th Anniversary of First United Methodist Church of Mesa The 20 th Anniversary of the Dobson Organ The Worship Service on November 3, will begin at 8:45am rather than 9:00am. Please plan to come and remember those that have passed this year and honor our years in ministry in Mesa. Cake will be served by the Worship Committee in Earl North Hall between services.

7 Page 7 CHOIR NEWS Wednesday Rehearsal Schedule: Bell Choir 5:00 to 5:55 p.m. Adult Lounge Celebration Singers 6:15 to 6:55 p.m. FLC Youth Choir 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. FLC Chancel Choir 7:05 p.m. Sanctuary Performance Schedule: 9/01 Chancel 9:00 a.m. 9/08 Chancel 9:00 a.m. 9/15 All 9:00 a.m. 9/22 Chancel 9:00 a.m. 9/29 Bell 9:00 a.m. Chancel 9:00 a.m. FAMILY LIFE CENTER Girl Scouts are meeting every other Monday Next meetings will be July 1st, 15th, 29th. New basketball league on Saturday nights We now have 9 teams and looking for more so gather up your friends and come join us on Saturdays at 5 to 10 p.m. Open adult volleyball is every Sunday from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Come have some fun and exercise. YOUTH MINISTRIES First United Methodist Church of Mesa offers Youth Ministry opportunities for grades 7-12 in an environment of kindness, acceptance and respect. Our focus is to help others and grow in relationship with God. First Mesa Youth has their own Facebook Page! JOIN US FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHT LIVE! Dinner served from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Free for kids under 18 $3.25 per adult PLUS Brief Worship Service Spiritual Growth Class Personal Growth Class Choir Rehearsals Youth & Children s Activities Youth Mission Trip 2013 Like us to get updates & news

8 Page 8 What if the Offering Plate Could Talk? We have Sunday School Classes available for all ages pre-school to adult! Join us from 10:10 to 11:00! Several years ago, I was in an antique store in Aurora, Nebraska. I came across an old wooden offering plate. I couldn t resist it! It was the smallest offering plate that I had ever seen and believe me I have seen a lot of offering plates. It had the typical felt bottom, stained a fairly dark color, and it was obvious it had been well used because there were scratch marks all along the edge just above the felt bottom. Well, we all know that dollar bills and checks do not make scratch marks on offering plates. So this particular little plate probably had received a lot of coins. So, I started to imagine where this little offering plate may have been: Maybe it had been used in a children s Sunday school class and had received their coins.. Maybe it had been used in a very small country church where folks only had small coins.. Maybe the folks in church had to wait till their crops came in and they wrote a check for their offering.. Then, I wondered about how the church folks had used these gifts to God to live out their faith Had they given money to a local food bank? Had they sent money to a faraway land to help people in need? Had they used money to be in mission beyond the doors of their church? The offering plate is a sacred vehicle, into which each of us, in our own way, give back to God a portion of what God has given so generously to us. So, if this offering plate could talk I wonder what it could tell us about the kind and generous people that placed their offering in it, a sacred trust between them and God. Sandra Lackore

9 Page 9 AUGUST BIRTHDAYS Carroll, Stan 9/01 Kuck, Nicole 9/01 Cummings-John, Yemi 9/02 Huffer, Jeannine 9/03 Tatom, Erinn 9/03 Warden, Jim 9/03 Bunning, Eric 9/04 Webb, Jamie 9/05 Mozurkewich, Emma 9/06 Nelson, Breana 9/08 Ripley, Jim 9/08 Thuenen, Randall 9/08 Miller, Dea 9/09 Pirlo, Debbie 9/11 Cummins, Sierra 9/12 Koniseti, Kipeli 9/12 Lewis, Terry 9/12 Christensen, Eleanore 9/13 Mayberry, Vanessa 9/13 McCraw, Jerad 9/13 Mindrup, Rayond 9/13 Owens, Marge 9/13 Vasko, Vera 9/13 Birge, Willard 9/14 Tapaatoutai Sr., Siokatame2 9/14 Thompson, Pat 9/14 Patterson, Betty Jo 9/15 Sellers, 9/15 Kaye, Mary 9/16 Standage, Seth 9/17 Thuenen, Jonathan 9/17 Webb, Matthew 9/17 Kain, Ryan 9/18 Stevenson, Sandra 9/20 Bartlow, Jeanette 9/21 Royer, Makayla 9/21 Desenberg, Margaret 9/22 Rountree, Evelyn 9/22 Thuenen, Judy 9/22 Whitford, Anthony 9/22 Barefoot, Juanita 9/23 Cummings, Abagail 9/23 Whitford, Theresa 9/23 Baum, Ann 9/25 Friesen, Dylan 9/25 Coffin, Beverly 9/26 Conger, Donna 9/26 Lucchesi, Rick 9/26 Phillips, Linda 9/26 Tenney, Peggy 9/26 Grace, Donny 9/27 Larry, Inez 9/27 Justice, Alysa 9/28 Kopf, Mary 9/30 Larson, Kathy 9/30 ANNIVERSARIES Cummings-John, Yemi & Yvette 9/04 Ripley, Jim & Pam 9/07 Morgan, Anthony & Joy 9/09 Hakaumotu, Tevita & Puii 9/12 Sanders, Shad & Nikki 9/13 Thuenen, Randall & Judy 9/16 Blais, Raymond & Tracy 9/27 Congratulations to all our birthdays and anniversaries! If your name is not on our list (or if you know of someone who should be), please call the church office so we may update our information. We truly do not mean to leave anyone out.

10 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE SPIRE, 15 E. 1st Ave., Mesa AZ DATED MATERIAL DO NOT DELAY Pastors: Rev. Dr. Jim Farrer 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: secretary@firstchurchofmesa.com Office Hours: 9 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Thursday 9 am - 2 pm Friday 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. The deadline for submission of articles for the next issue is September 10, The Spire Newsletter Team Editors: Katie Mozurkewich and Linda Phillips Publisher: Linda Phillips Printers: Jo Ann Ramirez Davis, Kermit Davis Assemblers: Pam Rutkowski, Irene Risser, Tillie Whitford, Carla Zwald, Linda Miller, Margaret Desenberg, and Bob Brown