RENNICK S REFLECTIONS

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Volume 48, Issue 1 FEBRUARY 2017 Special points of interest: Our Vision Publication THE SPIRE Spire Deadline Altar flowers Church calendar RENNICK S REFLECTIONS Milestones mark those transitions and

We have much to celebrate and look forward to as we make strides living our faith and loving life through Jesus Christ.

Ezechiel, 30 and from Burundi, is a student at Africa University and is enrolled in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

When Ezechiel completes his undergraduate studies, he plans to return home and to enable others to improve their skills through higher education.

First Church shares a partnership with three other east valley United Methodist congregations in covenant support of Ezechiel s educational pursuits.

1 Volume 48, Issue 1 FEBRUARY 2017 Special points of interest: Our Vision Publication THE SPIRE Spire Deadline Altar flowers Church calendar RENNICK S REFLECTIONS Milestones mark those transitions and steps we make in life. As you ve crossed over from 2016 to 2017 Happy New Year to you! We have much to celebrate and look forward to as we make strides living our faith and loving life through Jesus Christ. Inside this issue: Church Council 2-3 Announcements 4 Youth Ministries 4 Sunday School Schedule Birthday & Anniversary Corner 5 5 Let me begin by introducing to you Ezechiel Habwawihe. Ezechiel, 30 and from Burundi, is a student at Africa University and is enrolled in the Faculty of Health Sciences. One of ten siblings, he is the only one in his family who has been able to attend a university. When Ezechiel completes his undergraduate studies, he plans to return home and to enable others to improve their skills through higher education. A further goal of his is to pursue post-graduate studies. First Church shares a partnership with three other east valley United Methodist congregations in covenant support of Ezechiel s educational pursuits. Your gifts through the Christ in Christmas offering helps to make this a reality for Ezechiel. Another big step we ve taken is our commitment to Save The Family here in Mesa. Our Christmas offering of 150 pairs of brand new shoes will go a long way for kids to wear good quality shoes for school, church, play, among other activities. We re told that First Church is the only church in the area that makes a large effort to provide new shoes as opposed to hand me downs. GO FIRST CHURCH! Our giving beyond the local church is called Apportionments is how we do big things as United Methodists in the world to transform lives. Our goal in 2016 was $118,000. It s been almost ten years since the last time First Church met our annual goal at 100%. Recently, we ve met this goal at about 10%, until this year when we met our giving at 33%! I am excited to see how much farther with God s help and the spirit of First Church we will meet our goal of $116,000 in God is good and together we are doing great things. Continued on page Download our FUMC Mesa app!

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

com and start reaching out electronically to friends, family, and those who are looking for God! Continued from page one... Which brings us to this year and our unifying theme called, ONE!

From our worship, to various activities, classes, programs, and how we live before our communities, we are called to be in union with one another.

We are only strong as a body as we embrace each other s diversity, differences & similarities, opinions, gifts, and graces that not only describe our identity, but also enable us to be a living

David Join us for Ash Wednesday services March 1st at 7 p.m.

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. 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! Continued from page one... Which brings us to this year and our unifying theme called, ONE! Our theme comes from the communion liturgy and reminds us that by God s spirit we are called to be One with Christ, with Others, and with the World! From our worship, to various activities, classes, programs, and how we live before our communities, we are called to be in union with one another. The apostle Paul defines this image as the Body of Christ. We are only strong as a body as we embrace each other s diversity, differences & similarities, opinions, gifts, and graces that not only describe our identity, but also enable us to be a living expression of a church that is alive in Jesus Christ. I am grateful to serve alongside you as your pastor and look forward to the year ahead of us. David Join us for Ash Wednesday services March 1st at 7 p.m. WELCOMING TEAM Attention Winter Visitors On February 26, we will host a reception for our Winter Visitors after the 9:00 service in Fellowship Hall. We will be recognizing all of you who spend part of the year here in Arizona! For those of you who attend First Church year round, please come to celebrate with our Winter Visitors. WORSHIP COMMITTEE Ushers & Communion Servers Needed Looking for friendly faces to serve as ushers and also communion servers. Both of these opportunities are an easy way to contribute that don t involve a lot of time commitment. Please contact Linda Miller at to volunteer. Community Rewards Fry s is requiring that you re-register for the Community Rewards Program. This program does not affect your reward or fuel points. If you have any questions about this process or to enroll please contact Peggy Tenney at Peggy also has key fobs for Albertsons.

as assigned. An application and a job description are available in the church office or via email request to: secretary@firstchurchofmesa.

3 Page 3 SPRC Job Opening Now accepting applications for an Administrative Assistant. This person will assist the Office Administrator in running the office, interfacing with the public, preparing bulletins and announcements, answering the phone, directing volunteers, and other duties as assigned. An application and a job description are available in the church office or via request to: secretary@firstchurchofmesa.com This is an entry level position at 20 hours per week, paying minimum wage. Come be a part of a unique and vibrant staff! FINANCE Publication Deadlines Sunday Bulletins / Announcements Wednesday Noon Spire Deadline All articles to be submitted to the church office no later than February 10th (Holidays and vacations may advance or delay these deadlines by a day or two.) 2016 year-end report The table below represents the income and expenses for FUMC over the last two years and the budget we have planned for While the bottom line is positive we have not met our apportionment allocation in recent years. We were able to almost triple last year s amount and the 2016 plan by reducing our expenses and having a slight increase in facility use/rentals. We would like to thank you for your continued support. Rick Phillips Finance Chair 2015 Actual 2016 Actual 2017 Plan Total Income 609, , ,350 Contributions 530, , ,000 Facility use/rentals 78,737 87,937 85,350 Total Expenses 596, , ,333 Apportionments 18,000 39,200 20,000 Staff Expense 349, , ,050 Building/Vehicle Rep 186, , ,000 Administration 24,805 24,983 29,383 Programs 8,743 10,242 13,900 Flowers To place flowers on the Lord s Table in honor or memory of someone special contact the Church Office at Deficit/Surplus 13,201 29,123 17

Page 4 CHURCH OFFICE HOURS M-TH: 9 4:30 pm PH: 480-969-5577 Electronic Giving Electronic giving is a direct debit program where your contribution is debited automatically from your checking or

You can pick up an authorization form in the church office, and talk to Lynn Adams for further details.

On this day, couples are invited to stand and to renew their promises made to God and to each other. A cake reception hosted by the Welcoming Committee will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall.

Drop off can be made in the food box located in the narthex or contact Lois at the main office. URBAN WALKERS Join us in fellowship and add a bit of exercise!

Not a run, and not a stroll, walkers should expect to walk at a moderate pace for 30 minutes with minimal stops. We will stop to regroup, take some water, and have a short devotion.

4 Page 4 CHURCH OFFICE HOURS M-TH: 9 4:30 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 FUMC Mesa app or via our website at firstchurchofmesa.com ANNOUNCEMENTS On February 12th during 9:00 a.m. worship, the service will include a Vow and Covenant Renewal Ceremony. On this day, couples are invited to stand and to renew their promises made to God and to each other. A cake reception hosted by the Welcoming Committee will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall. IHELP DONATIONS NEEDED We are looking for canned meats and soups for our pantry at this time. Your donations are very much appreciated. Drop off can be made in the food box located in the narthex or contact Lois at the main office. URBAN WALKERS Join us in fellowship and add a bit of exercise! Walks will take place on relatively level streets or trails within the metro Phoenix area. Not a run, and not a stroll, walkers should expect to walk at a moderate pace for 30 minutes with minimal stops. We will stop to regroup, take some water, and have a short devotion. Then, we are off again for another 30 minutes or until we reach the end. Upcoming dates: 2/11 & 3/11. Contact either: Margie Rice at or Jean Harris at YOUTH MINISTRIES All events take place Sundays nights from 5 to 7 p.m. in the FLC unless otherwise noted. Upcoming Events: Feb 5 Super Bowl Sunday No Youth Feb 12 Experiencing God through Art & Nature Feb Winter Camp at Mingus Feb 26 Family Potluck & Volleyball On January 15th, the youth group participated in a service project at Franklin West Elementary School in our neighborhood. They painted music stands, chair legs and magnetic chalkboards.

5 Page 5 SUNDAY SCHOOL Join us for Sunday School each week from 10:30 to 11:30! Children & Youth Preschool to 2nd grade 3rd grade to 6th grade (preceded by music in Room D) 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. 7th to 12th grades Room D Room C FLC Adult Classes Searchers- Room 1 January through February 19 th we will be studying Christianity and World Religions: Wrestling with Questions People Ask by Adam Hamilton. All is welcome. Disciples Class - Assembly Room Enjoy learning and small group discussion lead by Rev. John O Neal. Serendipity 2.0- Room 2 Please join us as we study Unlocking the Bible Story by Colin S. Smith. We will be reading a chapter in class and having a short discussion after. Parenting with Grace - Room 4 This class is designed for parents that have young children. Class takes place while your children are in Sunday School! Together you can discuss parenting, showing God s love in the home, and how to raise your children to be Christians. S.A.L.T. Seekers After Life s Truths Room 5 We are a family oriented adult class. We are currently studying I AM Statements about Jesus By Rob Fuqua. FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS 02/03 Frances Clute 02/03 Wayne Hill 02/03 Kathryn Moore 02/03 Siokatame Tapaatoutai 02/04 Ruth Ann Haines 02/04 Emma Rittenhouse 02/06 Evelyn Birge 02/06 Will Tatom 02/07 Duni Cummings-John 02/07 Jan McCarthy 02/07 John Snodgrass 02/10 Jo Anne Harker 02/11 Nancy Likens 02/13 Ryan Kuck 02/14 Mary Heath 02/15 Julia Adams 02/15 Emily Mehrer 02/15 Will Parker 02/15 Charles K White 02/17 Patricia S. Perry 02/18 Jay Jones 02/19 Arline Byers 02/21 Dillon Fransen 02/21 Faith Krstich 02/22 Don Courtright 02/22 David Mincks 02/23 Keller Tatom 02/24 Clara Herrin 02/25 Mark Winestock 02/26 Matt Young Congrats to all our birthdays & 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. FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES 02/06 Ramsey, Michelle & Jeff 02/25 Miller, Sonny & Linda

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE SPIRE, 15 E. 1st Ave., Mesa AZ 85210 DATED MATERIAL DO NOT DELAY Pastors: Rev. David C. Rennick Rev. Dr. Bob Mitchell Rev. Cecil Lackore - Pastor Emeritus www.

6 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE SPIRE, 15 E. 1st Ave., Mesa AZ DATED MATERIAL DO NOT DELAY Pastors: Rev. David C. Rennick 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 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 February 10, 2017 The Spire Newsletter Team Editors: Katie Mozurkewich and Linda Phillips Publisher: Linda Phillips Printers: Katie Mozurkewich and Linda Phillips Assemblers: Irene Risser, Jan MacCarthy, Linda Miller, Doug Conger & Margaret Desenberg

THE SPIRE RENNICK S REFLECTIONS

THE SPIRE RENNICK S REFLECTIONS Volume 47, Issue 1 FEBRUARY 2016 Special points of interest: Our Vision Publication THE SPIRE Spire Deadline Altar flowers Church hours Electronic giving Church calendar Inside this issue: Church Council