First Connection. First United Methodist Church. April The monthly newsletter of

Transcription

1 First Connection The monthly newsletter of First United Methodist Church April 2017 First United Methodist Church 729 Central Avenue Connersville IN Church Phone: (765) Pastor Doug Barton Secretary: Bonnie Schultz Webmaster: Kevin Bastian Church web site:

2 EASTER the Main Event! Do you remember when movie theaters would run what they called a short before the main movie? I know that was a long time ago and even before my time. I don t remember seeing those short little movies that were run before the Feature Film. In my day they showed a cartoon before the movie, today they run ads for cars and other stuff that you do not want to see before the Feature Film. You just paid big bucks to watch a movie, eat a $20 bucket of popcorn and drink a $10 softdrink! Well that might be a bit exaggerated, but you get the point. I m speaking about the time before an event, when all those little things lead up to the one main BIG thing. Like the Great Wars; WWI and WWII. There were so many smaller conflicts, battles, skirmishes, and other events leading up to V-Day and the end of the great wars. Lent is the time leading-up-to-the "Main Event", Easter. It is sort of like in boxing, where there is a lesser match of not so well known boxers fighting leading up to the Main Event. Lent is the leading-up time, the pre-war skirmish and the smaller battles. Many lives are lost or damaged in the so called minor battles. Lent is the buildup for the main event between the great champion and the evil contender. We are in the season of Lent and moving closer and closer to the Main Event of the Passion Week of Jesus Christ, and to His betrayal, false trials, arrest, agony in the Garden and death on the Cross. But that was on Friday and Sunday is coming! That all happened during Lent, the time before the Main Event. The Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, our Champion Jesus the Christ. Carmen put this event to song many years ago (2001), but it is still fitting today. Read the story of our Savior s victory over sin and death for us, and for all humanity; in Carmen s unique way. THE CHAMPION Then a Persona, yes, Extraordinaire appeared in center ring. God the Father will oversee the duel. Opening the Book of Life, each grandstand hushed in awe as majestically He said, "Now here's the rules. He'll be wounded for their transgressions, bruised for iniquities" When He said, "By His stripes they're healed," the devil shook! He screamed, "Sickness is my specialty. I hate that healing junk!" God said, "You shut your face, I wrote the book!" Then the Father looked at His only Son and said, "You know the rules. Your blood will cleanse their sins and calm their fears." Then He pointed His finger at Satan and said, "And I know you know the rules. You've been twisting them to deceive My people for years." Satan screamed, "I'll kill you Christ! You'll never win this fight!" The demons wheezed, "That's right, there ain't no way." Satan jeered, "You're dead meat, Jesus, I'm gonna bust you UP tonight!" Jesus said, "Go ahead, make my day!" The bell rang, the crowd cheered, the fight was on, And the devil leaped in fury. With all his evil tricks he came undone. He threw his jabs of hate and lust. A stab of pride and envy but the hand that knew no sin blocked every one. Forty days and nights they fought, and Satan couldn't touch Him. Now the final blow saved for the final round. Prophetically Christ's hands came down And Satan struck in vengeance! The blow of death felled Jesus to the ground.

3 The devils roared in victory! The saints shocked and perplexed as wounds appeared upon His hands and feet. Then Satan kicked Him in His side, and blood and water flowed. And they waited for the 10 count of defeat. God the Father turned His head, His tears announcing Christ was dead! The 10 count would proclaim the battle's end. Then Satan trembled through his sweat in unexpected horror, yet... As God started to count by saying, " " "Hey wait a minute, God..." " " "Stop! You're counting wrong..." " " His eyes are moving... " " His fingers are twitching... " " "Where's all this Light coming from?" " " "He's alive!" " " "Oh - nooooo!" " " "And yet," " " "Oh...Yessssss! " " He has won! He has won! He's alive forevermore! He is risen, He is Lord, He has won! He has won! He's alive forevermore, He is risen! He is Lord! Lent is coming to a close. The Passion of our Lord is soon upon us and things are getting more difficult and more painful. Hate and anger dog His every step. Danger and betrayal are close by His side. Yet our meek and mild Jesus takes them all in stride, because He knows it is His Father s will. He lives to do His Father s will and He will die to fulfil it. Hebrews 12:2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. I Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. Bottom Line Dear ones, Jesus died for us, the least we can do, is live for Him. Happy Easter and a blessed Eternity! In His Amazing Grace Pastor Doug Proclaim the news in every tongue, Through endless ages and beyond Let it be voiced from mountains loud and strong. Captivity has been set free, salvation bought for you and me 'Cause Satan is defeated, And Jesus is The Champion!

4 CHURCH NEWS Dear FUMC family, You are invited to attend a reception honoring the retirement of Pastor Doug and Donna Barton on Saturday, May 13, 2017 from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. in Fellowship Hall. Refreshments will be provided, and a basket will be available for cards. We hope to see you on May 13 th to help celebrate this special time in Doug and Donna s journey together. Recognition at Annual Conference is for those retiring July 1, Recognition for the pastors retiring which includes Pastors Galbraith, Hurley and Barton will be on Friday June 9, at 1:30PM. If anyone from our congregation would like to attend, you may call the office for further information. THANK YOU ********************************************************** Yours in Christ, Reception Committee ********************************************** Continuing The Journey Fruitful Congregation Friday, April 28: 45 minute interviews with 8-10 of the key leaders in the church. First interview with Pastor, including facility tour, starts 8:00a.m. The lead consultant and coach go to dinner with Pastor Doug and Donna at 5:00p.m. The Focus Group starts at 7:00p.m. The evening focus group needs to reflect as much variety in the congregation as possible, new members, involved youth, those who have expressed negative concerns, etc. No pastors or staff (or family members of) should be included in this group. Saturday, April 29: The consult team arrives at the church around 8:30a.m. The Ad Board/Church Council focus group meets at 9:00a.m. No staff or spouses of staff should attend. However, Pastor will make introductions and give an opening prayer, and leave the meeting. The Workshop will begin at 10:15a.m. and end no later than 3:15 p.m. The 12:15 lunch is provided by our church and is our only expense for this weekend. Sunday, April 30: The lead consultant will be preaching on Sunday. When the document is read it is NOT a Town Hall meeting; it is simply a reading of the document. No discussion or questions are to be asked at this time, that is what the Town Hall meetings are for. The Friday evening Focus Group, the Saturday Workshop and Sunday Worship is for EVERYONE! ********************************************************** The phone number for Bill & Penny Smith that was in last months newsletter is wrong. Their correct number is Dear Pastor Doug, First Church, and the SAWS Organization, We would like to thank everyone involved in building the beautiful wheelchair ramp for our daughter Jasmine. It is so very much appreciated and words can never express our gratitude. Special thanks to Kevin and Jerry for staying to finish up!! Thank you all again so very much!! The Reas 1

5 Tom and I want to thank our church family for all the thoughts and prayers, offers of help, and visits during Tom s St. Vincent heart surgery and current rehab in Heritage House. He hopes to be home any day now, thanks to all your support. A church is only as great as the people in it that s why ours is REALLY GREAT! Tom & Ann Francis ***************************************************** Hello, My name is Tamye Hendricks and I am writing you today to personally thank you for your deposit and support of the Loan & Savings Ministry. I m the loan officer and I work directly with the churches borrowing, so I see firsthand how the deposits help ministry grow! April Anniversaries Apr 03 Pastor Doug & Donna Barton Apr 14 Melvin & Jackie Meal Apr 18 Ann & Wayne Ekstrom Apr 21 Jahn & Helen Lawson Apr 28 John & Virginia Foster ***************************************************** Again, thank you and I hope you are having a blessed day! Tamye ***************************************************** Thank you for your continued financial support and prayers. Debbie s knee surgeries went well and she has finished her therapy. She is heading back to Zambia to join Ken in time for Pastors School. We appreciate your prayers as we begin another session with our pastors. God bless you. Yours in Christ, Ken & Deb Vance ********************************************************** IN THE SPIRIT OF GIVING General Date Fund Missions Attend Mar 05 $ $ Mar 12 $ $ Mar 19 $ $ Mar 26 $ $ $ $ Total $15, Apr 01 Apr 02 Apr 07 Apr 09 Apr 10 Apr 11 Apr 14 Apr 15 Apr 19 Apr 26 Apr 30 APRIL BIRTHDAYS Gilda Lewis Carol Howell Elizabeth Holmes Mike Moore Lori Klopfenstein Tom Francis Helen Lawson Jan Stanley Marsha Baltzell Suzy Maines Jim Gibson ***************************************************** The Goodest Gift The great acts of love are done by those who are habitually performing small acts of kindness. Anonymous

6 MISSIONS Second Sunday Giving: for April is to Grace UMC, Food Pantry. Items to donate are, canned soups, creamy peanut butter & cereal. Thank you! ********************************************************** McCoyisms by Shirley Stanley McCoy You can t live life to its fullest with the brake on but when you get to be 70 you d better try! 3 United Methodist Women Faith-Hope-Love in Action Susanna Circle The next meeting will be April 18, 1:30 p.m. at the home of Sarah Plough, hostess Eve Circle The next meeting will be April 20, 6:30 p.m. Hostess, Phyllis Smith, in church lounge Upcoming Events April 8 East District New Castle First UMC, 8:30am 12:00 noon. Reservations are to be given to Jeanna Hushour, by April 3. April Spiritual Growth Retreat Ft. Wayne, IN (register by March 17) May 20 Spring Brunch in Fellowship Hall (more information coming) UMW is open to any woman in the church. ******************************************************** Graduation If you have a family member who will be graduating this year from High School, College, Trade School, or HSE, please call the church office with their name, where they are graduating from and if they would like attend our Worship service. Even if they are out of State and can t be here, we still want to honor their accomplishment. We will recognize the graduates at our Worship service on Sunday June 11. ********************************************** UP BEAT POEMS BY A BEAT DOWN POET (IN LOVE WITH LIFE) By Shirley Stanley McCoy EASTER JOY I want to try to tell you, Dear what Easter means to me I must go back to Christmas when Jesus came to be The Savior of all mankind He saves us from our sin He bore our guilt on Calvary that we might enter in a special kind of relationship His Spirit dwells within us, from then on, God, our Father never leaves us for a minute The Easter message is of JOY Christ s resurrection brings that everyone who dies some day again, will live to sing God s praises in another world in Heaven up above No death-no pain-no sorrow there where hearts know only LOVE! **********************************************

7 Virginia Pearson s memorial service will be held at Showalter/Long funeral home on April 29. More details on this when I receive them. PRAYER The monthly newsletter and church website list all persons currently on the First Church prayer list. The Sunday worship bulletin lists names that were verbally submitted the previous Sunday, those turned in to the church office the ensuing week, and updates when there is new information. Please provide to the church office updated information concerning persons on the list whenever a change occurs in their circumstances. Marsha Baltzell, keep in prayer Joe Bottles, needs prayer Danny Caldwell, Cancer Cathy, Lori Klopfenstein s niece, Mike Devor, Colon Cancer, needs prayer Alice Eshelman, respiratory infection Tom Francis, Rehab after surgery, doing well Myra Galloway, Cancer treatments Carol Hoffman, breathing problems, keep in prayer Darren Horn, cancer Darrell Maines, trying new medication MaryAnne McClure, swelling Jackie Meal, needs prayer Ray Morris, Sylvia & Jim s nephew, still in Hospice Susan Pennington, cancer treatments Jesse & Gretchen Rea, medical issues Janet Shafer, cancer in lung Fenton Siebert, Doug & Gayle s grandson, fighting infections Steve Wicker, cancer, keep in prayer Sharon Williams, Cancer Joe Wheeler, needs prayer Prayers for: Fruitful Congregation Journey Consultation weekend, our new Pastor Frank & Carrie Oakman & family, Pastor Doug & Donna Barton on their retirement, and Our Country to unite under God. Families of Virginia Pearson and Kenny Powell. EASTER FLOWERS Please fill out the form below if you wish to order flowers in Honor of, or in Memory of, (please specify Tulips or Hyacinth) for Easter Sunday Worship service. You may place your order form in the offering plate or take it to the office. The church will order the flowers but your order needs to be in by Monday April 10. Easter Sunday is April 16. The cost is $ GIVEN BY: IN HONOR OF: IN MEMORY OF PLEASE CHECK ONE LINE BELOW I WILL TAKE MY FLOWERS AFTER EASTER WORSHIP SERVICE PLEASE TAKE MY EASTER FLOWERS TO A HOME BOUND OR NURSING HOME MEMBER ************************************************** Loved & Compelled to Serve What drives Christians to help others? The words of 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 sum up the answer. When Christ lives in our hearts by faith, the Holy Spirit begins his transformative work in us. Prompted by him, we begin to see others in light of what our Savior did for them, as well as for us. We are compelled, driven to serve because of Christ s everlasting love. Holy Spirit, help me recognize opportunities to serve others today. 4

8 APRIL, 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2 PRAISE & WORSHIP SUNDAY EVERY SUNDAY COMBINED LENTEN SERVICE, ORANGE UMC REFRESHMENTS 5:30PM 3 WOMEN S BIBLE 12:00 LOUNGE EVERY MONDAY LAST ALPHA SESSION UNTIL MAY 6:30PM FELLOWSHIP HALL 4 NO HANDBELL CHOIR PRACTICE NO CHOIR PRACTICE THIS WEEK 5 ALTRUSA 12:00 FELLOWSHIP HALL TRUSTEE MEETING 6:30PM 6 OFFICE CLOSED 7 8 UMW CONFERENCE EAST DISTRICT, NEW CASTLE FIRST UMC 9 PALM SUNDAY OFFICE CLOSED CONNERSVILLE BOYS BASKET TEAM COMMUNITY DINNER 1ST PRESBYTERIAN 5:00PM HANDBELL CHOIR PRACTICE 5:30PM CHANCEL CHOIR PRACTICE 7:00PM EVERY TUESDAY CLINIC 6 :00PM HOLY THURSDAY SERVICE 6:30PM FUMC GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE 12:00 NOON CROSS POINTE BIKER CHURCH 16 EASTER SUNDAY OFFICE C LOSED SUSANNA CIRCLE 1:30 HOME OF SARAH PLOUGH, HOSTESS EVE CIRCLE PHYLLIS SMITH, HOSTESS CHURCH LOUNGE OFFICE CLOSED 28 FRUITFUL CONGREGATION EVENING FOCUS GROUP 7:00PM 29 FRUITFUL CONGREGATION WORKSHOP 10:15AM 30 FRUITFUL CONGREGATION SUNDAY