F I R S T E D I T I O N. First United Methodist Church of Wabash, Indiana THE PASTOR S PAGE. Shalom, Pastor Kurt. June 2014

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1 F I R S T E D I T I O N June 2014 First United Methodist Church of Wabash, Indiana Mission Statement To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Vision Statement...To provide a loving fellowship that brings about spiritual transformation through worship, prayer, study and action in order to know Christ and to make Him known. THE PASTOR S PAGE 110 N. Cass Street, Wabash, IN I think, looking outside, that spring might actually be finally deciding to hold on. Winter is past. I hope. I celebrate the new season in our world and a new season in this church. In the last couple weeks, I have had several one-on-one conversations about the hope and future of this congregation and I am encouraged. I am encouraged by those who have a vision for God s direction. I love the fact that we are coming alive to God s Word. I love the fact that people are hearing things in worship and Monday or Tuesday I will get a note saying, I have been thinking about what you said and I want to know. I am even more encouraged by those who have disagreed and are remaining in the conversation, challenging me to be true to the gospel. The reason I am most encouraged by this is that WE are remaining in conversation. People are talking. We are together, walking together even in the areas where there is discomfort. I am proud of you, church. God is doing some great things in you. I am thankful that you are helping me be a better pastor for you here in Wabash. There is no sin in disagreement. If we all agreed, we would never get anything done and the world s needs would not be met. God desires that we work together, work through our stuff, and take the fertile ground of our faith formed through such work to bear upon the world in order that fruit might come forth even disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Shalom, Pastor Kurt Senior Pastor - Rev. Kurt Freeman Pastor of Visitation - Rev. John Cook office.wabfirstumc@cinergymetro.net Phone: (260) FAX: (260)

2 HOW YOUR CHURCH WORKS Someone asked me recently how to get time with me. I am, typically, in the office Monday- Thursday mornings. I have meetings and visits in the afternoons and evenings but those times are times people can schedule something with me. I enjoy talking with people and am available. I just need to know where and when you d like to get together. Rev. Kurt Freeman CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2014 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES Cydnee Bradley - Southwood High School, plans to attend Indiana University in Kokomo and pursue a degree in Nursing Melissa Ford - Oakhill High School, plans to attend Indiana University in Bloomington Devin Hostetler - Wabash City High School, plans to attend Indiana University in Bloomington and major in Pre-Med. Joe Lee - Wabash City High School, plans to attend Indiana University in Kokomo majoring in Law Enforcement Natalie Schuler - Northfield High School, plans to attend Purdue University to study Agribusiness A NOTE FROM OUR STAFF PARISH RELATIONS COMMITTEE As June quickly approaches so does Pastor Kurt's sabbatical. Continue to cover Kurt, Elizabeth and the children in prayer for this opportunity to be together. Prepare for the receiving of the messages from our guest pastors during this time and pray for our congregation as we grow and define our ministry within and outside our congregation. Feel free to bring concerns and celebrations regarding this opportunity and the long term direction for our pastor and congregation to the staff parish relations committee. COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Angie Beauchamp & Jeremy Stackhouse, Co-Chairs Doug Konkle, Scott Schuler, Austin Deardorff, Amy Poole, Jim Lefforge, & Joe Getz Contact information is in your 2014 bright orange directory, or call the church office for contact information CONGRATULATIONS TO: James Flack upon receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in forensics. LIVING INSIDE OUT is the name of our VBS program this year. It invites kids to adventure through the parables Jesus toldstories that will take root, challenging them to change from the inside out! This year s VBS will be a combination of 3 morning sessions from 9:00-11:30 on Monday, June 16, Wednesday, June 18 and Friday, June 20 and 2 evening family experiences from 5-7:30 (meal included) on Sunday, June 22 and Sunday, June 29 We will need LOTS of helpers to make this event a wonderful and meaningful experience for all who attend. Won t you please sign up to be a VBS volunteer at the welcome center or by using the form found on the next page. When you choose print also choose print page 3 You may also pre-register children by using the VBS Registration form found on the next page or in Sunday s bulletin. When you choose print also choose print page 3

3 help with Sunday VOLUNTEERS LIVING INSIDE OUT V. B. S. At First United Methodist Church June 16, 18, 20 June 22, :30 a.m. 5:00-7:30 p.m. (evening meal provided) Your Name Phone # address I CAN HELP BEFORE VBS - I CAN: pray for VBS make phone calls provide supplies or snacks (sign up list) gather donations prepare crafts I CAN HELP DURING VBS - I CAN: be a small group leader evening meal help with childcare for volunteers be snack helper greet participants be recreation leader register kids take photos pray for children and volunteers be craft volunteer I CAN HELP AFTER VBS - I CAN: take down decorations/clean up return donated items Please return this form to Susan Vanlandingham. REGISTRATION FOR V.B.S. Child s Name Parent/Guardian Name Address Address Phone Numbers Home Cell Work Age Information Date of birth Age Going into grade Home Church Allergies/Medical Information/Other Emergency Contacts Name Phone Name Phone Dismissal Information Name(s) of person(s) who may pick up this child from VBS (Church use only) GROUP

4 Youth Christians in Action Join us Sundays at 9:00 AM for No Limits. Big influence starts with a small step. June 8-13 Mission Trip to Louisville, KY June Summer Church Camp, Epworth Forest June 29 at 9:00 AM Louisville Mission Trip Team Presentation in MAC Throughout June & July, we will be partnering with Kids First for some summer reading opportunities. If you would like to participate, please contact Emily at June 8-13 Youth Mission Trip Will You Pray For Us? We re Wabash FUMC s students and we re traveling with Youthworks to serve in Louisville, KY from June During the day, our team will be primarily serving children and the elderly. We ll be giving our time to food banks, children s programs, soup kitchens, advocacy organizations (immigrants and orphans), park beautification and home repair. At night, we ll fellowship and participate in worship activities. Please pray that we will connect as a team, step into His work, and that we will be bold in our faith as we reach out into the community! Alyssa McKillip Attie Schuler Dawson Aarstad Donna Highley Eli Schuler Ellie Schuler Emily Benner Emily Boardman Hallie Schuler Jake Schuler John Schuler Logan Peas Steve Keffaber Will Schuler Rebekah and Joe Stamp Out Hunger Perfect way to end our series on holding grudges. Balloon release! 12 YOUTH CONFIRMED ON MAY 18, 2014 First United Methodist Church was happy to welcome our confirmands into full membership. They are as follows: Kassidy Atwood, Erika Ford, Katie Ford, Rebekah Freeman, Jaci Gahl, Joe Halderman, Attie Schuler, Ellie Schuler, Hallie Schuler, John Schuler, Sabrina Wagner, Tabatha Wagner If you didn t get a chance to welcome them last Sunday, please take time to let them know they are valued as part of the church family. To The Confirmation Class of 2014: Thank you to our amazing group of confirmands. I pray God bless you and give you peace as you walk with Jesus. Shalom, Pastor Kurt

5 LIGHTHOUSE MISSION 5TH SUNDAY PROJECT As we enter 2014, we invite you to participate in our 5th Sunday project. There are 4 months in the year that have a 5th Sunday, March 30, June 29th, August 31 & November 30th. Please consider bringing the following items on these Sundays to contribute to the Lighthouse Mission. June 29th - Squeaky Clean Sunday Donate Toothpaste, toothbrushes, bath soap, deodorant, or shampoo. New or used bath towels and wash cloths and Peanut Butter and Jelly. August 31st - Peanut Butter & Jelly Sunday PB (18 oz); Jelly (18-32 oz) November 30th - Share the Warmth Donate hats, scarves, mitten-gloves and socks (new or used) and Peanut Butter and Jelly. LifeWay Women is pleased to host Living Proof Live with Beth Moore At the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum on Sept. 13, Tickets have been purchased. If you signed up to attend, please pay for your ticket at the Welcome Center. Make checks payable to Wabash 1st UMC. Tickets are still available, but you will need to order them yourself at lifeway.com. L KING AHEAD Put August 24 on you calendar. We are joining several other congregations and the YMCA on a day of service. More information coming. THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES!! Kelly Schuler will be starting a summer Sunday School series starting Sunday June 8th at 9 am in the copier room. This is a great study to do for the first time, or as a refresher if it has been several years since you did this study. We will meet all summer, can't wait to have you join us! Summer Beth Moore Bible Study: David: Seeking a Heart Like His 11 sessions: Starting June 11 9:30 am (We will work around Bible School) Order books = $18.. sign up at Welcome desk. David: Seeking a Heart Like His - by Beth Moore guides the participant through this compelling women's Bible study of David. God will never give up on you. Explore how David's life proves this promise to be true in this updated edition of the best selling A Heart Like His: Seeking the Heart of God Through a Study of David. In this examination of the "man after God's own heart," David will delight and disappoint you. You'll want to be just like him at times and nothing like him at others. If you've ever experienced doubts, temptations, losses, family problems, or personal inconsistencies, this study is for you! REMEMBER F.I.S.H. ON JUNE 1 Please bring dry and/or canned items you would like to contribute to the Friends In Service Here food pantry to church on June 1. Your contributions will be delivered to F.I.S.H. during the week. Suggested items: Canned fruit & vegetables, cereal, pasta, tuna, canned meat, peanut butter. NEWSLETTER DEADLINE June 15

6 SENIOR TRIPS FOR JUNE & JULY Wednesday, June 25, join us for Doug Konkle s presentation of his special circus exhibit at the Wabash County Museum. Meet at the church at 9:30 a.m. Cost $3.00 museum admission, or use your own museum membership pass. Eat at the Honeywell Center. Sign up at the Welcome Center. Thursday, July 24, we will travel to the Wagon Wheel Theater in Warsaw to see Fiddler on the Roof at the 2:00 p.m. matinee. Cost $23 for performance and transportation. Eat at the Boat House Restaurant following the performance. Meet at church at 12:30 p.m. Signup at the Welcome Center. Must pay Carolyn Eichenauer by June 15 to assure your reservation. Make checks out to Carolyn Eichenauer. WABASH REMEMBERS A memorial service to honor our Veterans will be held on Memorial Day, May 26, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. The service will take place outside the Wabash County Courthouse. You are encouraged to take a little time out of your day and remember those who, because of their dedication and service to our county, provided the freedom we all enjoy. PRINTER INK CARTRIDGES AND ALUMINUM CANS continue to be collected at FUMC. A box for empty ink cartridges is on the table under the foyer stairway. A container for aluminum cans in the old kitchen downstairs. June Birthday Party You are invited to the Winchester Senior Center as they celebrate June Birthdays. Bill Barnes will present an interesting slide show of photos taken all over Wabash County. Former Mayor George Dingledy will also be there with his brochure of Wabash Postcards. 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 12 Winchester Senior Center 239 Bond Street Reservations are appreciated TRANSPORTATION TO CHURCH AVAILABLE Please call John Cook at if you need a ride. Leave your name, address & phone number. The bus is wheelchair accessible. If you need to take advantage of wheelchair accessibility, please mention that when you call.

7 WABASH FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Administrative Council Meeting April 21, 2014 Wabash FUMC Administrative Council met on Monday, April 21, 2014 at 7:38 p.m. in the Conference Room. Chair Marilyn Custer-Mitchell presided. Attending were Chair Custer-Mitchell, Pastor Kurt Freeman, Pastor John Cook, Susan Beckett, Cindy Hoffman, Donna Highley, Max Highley, Mindy Bower, Angie Beauchamp, Marc Shelly, Jeremy Stackhouse, and Melvin Rennaker. Pastor Kurt opened the meeting with prayer and by asking each member what they were thankful for during the past week. Minutes of the last meeting, March 17, 2014 were sent in advance. Corrections: Page 4, Finance, Strike Sentence 2. Motion by Donna, seconded by Cindy to approve minutes as amended. The motion passed. Per Conference Finance Seminar attended by Kurt and Mel, run church more like a business, streamline, less narrative minutes. Discussion. Future minutes and reports will be distributed 3 days prior to meetings. Minutes will record attendance, compilation of committee reports, pertinent discussion and motions as needed. Ad Council minutes should be distributed within 1 week of meeting. Committee reports should be submitted to the office by May 15 for distribution on the 16 th for next month s meeting on May 19. Retreat. Summary was reviewed. Included Mission, Vision, Big Wins, Current Measures, Catalysts to our Mission, Tactics. To date, monthly Ad Council meeting dates have been established and environment of library has been improved. Discussion of annual calendar creation, implementation and media communication of events. May meeting-- bring reports and concentrate on calendar and vision discussion. Third weekend in May is Change the World weekend for UMC. FUMC will be joined by Lincolnville, Woodlawn, Rich Valley, Roann and LaFontaine UMCs. Honoring People: Discussion. Finance Committee and Trustees will work together on procedure. Kurt will communicate this. COMMITTEE REPORTS. Reports should use exception reporting highlights and concerns. OUTREACH. Mindy Bower. She is refining reporting mechanism for committees under Outreach. Committees encouraged to provide input and work within their budgets. Sharon Bair attended Bowen Center project meeting, led by Kelsey Summers. Kids Hope is outreach opportunity to work with at risk students in the Wabash schools. Bachelor Creek is working with Metro North, Friends Church is working with Southwood Elementary. Program pairs 1 adult with 1 student for 1 hour/week for school year. Information gathering and funding is still in progress. Project supports FUMC mission. We now have the ability to text church messages to students and/or adults. Wesley Academy. Misunderstanding of Wesley Academy scholarship availability. Was wrongly added to publicity ads, since there no funding is available. Fundraiser for scholarships is needed. Advertising for fundraisers should state that proceeds will go toward scholarships. Mindy and Kurt will meet with Susan Vanlandingham and Whitney Myers. NUTURE. Max and Donna Highley. Big changes are planned for VBS. Orange curriculum will be used. Traditional morning VBS on 6/16, 6/18, and 6/20. VBS rotations for families will occur as family nights on Sunday evening 6/22 and Sunday evening, 6/29. Heavy advertising will be needed. The youth mission trip will be 6/8-6/13. Sign up deadline is May 1. Pastor Kurt begins sermon series, The Story August 10. It is a 31 week series split into 2 sections, and alternated between Pastor Kurt and Pastor John. Presents excellent opportunity for small groups. Use of DVD with facilitator is possibility also. Lots of promotion and professional visuals needed and in place by May 10 before vacations start. An information planning/nuture committee meeting is planned by Max and Donna. From that, a subcommittee will be formed to address promotion of The Story series. Use of college interns for various projects and technology was discussed. WORSHIP/WITNESS. Cindy Hoffman. Easter breakfast went well, communication-wise and food-wise. Coffee

8 Hosts, United Methodist Men and United Methodist Women have been moved to Worship/Witness organizationally. Rebecca Fisher will be in attendance Sunday, April 27. She has graduated from Indiana Wesleyan and will give a testimonial. Money left over from the Easter breakfast will be turned in to the Treasurer and redistributed for a cake in her honor. Graduates and confirmands will be recognized 5/18 and a cake will be purchased through the education budget. Sign-ups are needed for Welcome Center coverage. Distribution and use of yellow cards was discussed. ADMINISTRATION. Staff/Parish. Angie Beauchamp and Jeremy Stackhouse. There have been 2 meetings and another planned for 4/28. Molly in Kids First is mentoring Missy Edwards. An additional caregiver with excellent references was hired after 2 caregivers resigned. Improved communication continues to be worked on with Kids First. Accountability and good training in licensed church-run daycare ministries is key component. Pastor John s wife has joined the Kids First Board. Trustees. Melvin Rennaker. Much work has been completed on the parsonage. Roof has been repaired and insurance has been received. The Chapel is progressing. Small issues with subcontractors causing delays. The project is still within budget, but will not be ready by mid-may, as originally thought. Treasurer s Report. Melvin Rennaker. Financials are doing well with expenses less than income. Only committee out of budget is Trustees due to weather related expenses. Finance. Marc Shelly. Committees reminded to include advertising (if needed) in their budgets for next year. Advertising budgets go through Outreach. Pastors Reports. Pastor Kurt. Jim and Linda Gardner will be unable to serve as Lay Members to Annual Conference. Pastor John. Sign-up sheets in foyer for youth/confirmands scripture readers. He will be preaching 5/25 and 7/6 and will perform a wedding on 6/14. During worship, he looks for persons who are hurting and visits them. He will visit with anyone in need in or out of the church. He asked for communication of those in need of his services. Pastor Kurt. Discussion of special Lenten services and feedback for next year. He will hold an informational meeting for the congregation on 5/4 after worship to explain long-term pastorate and the role of the visiting pastor. He will only address questions submitted beforehand. He is working with Clint Kugler, YMCA, on the new Y-Lead program for community service by our church and others in Wabash. ADJOURNMENT: The next meeting will be Monday, May 19, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:13 p.m. Respectfully submitted Susan Beckett, Secretary

9 FROM OUR CHURCH TREASURER Melvin Rennaker Approved Budget 2014 FINANCIAL REPORT April Monthly Amount Year-to-Date Percentage $371, $30, $123, % April Year-to-Date Income $21, % $163, % Expenses $28, % $135, % Difference ($6,779.86) $27, GENERAL BUDGET OVERVIEW Beg Balance Income Expense Ending Balance $65, $163, $135, $92, GENERAL BUDGET INCOME YTD Estimate April YTD Income Annual Est. Member Pledges $ 14, $ 142, $105, $316, % Member Contribution $ 3, $ 13, $ 10, $ 30, % Non-Member Contribution $ 2, $ 5, $ 2, $ 8, % Loose Offering $ $ 1, $ 1, $ 4, % Sunday School Offering $ $ $ $ % Checking Interest $ $ $ $ % Upper Room $ 4.00 $ $ $ % Offering Envelopes $ $ $ % Building Use $ $ $ $ 2, % Extra Gift Contribution $ 5.00 $ 5.00 $ 5, $ 15, % TOTAL $ 21, $ 163, $125, $376, % Committee Groups GENERAL BUDGET EXPENSES YTD Expenses April Budget Missions $ 1, $ 6, $ 17, % Denomination Ministries $ 2, $ 17, $ 38, % Personnel $ 13, $ 55, $169, % Council of Ministries $ 1, $ 4, $ 28, % Building & Grounds $ 8, $ 50, $109, % Office Operations $ $ $ 4, % Finance & Stewardship $ $ $ 2, % TOTAL $ 28, $ 135, $371, % NON-BUDGET MISSIONS INCOME April Year-to-Date Kids First Day Care $ UMCOR - US Disaster Relief $ $

10 June 2014 A = Wedding Anniversary B = Birthday Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 A-Dick & Joyce Tschantz B-Ellen Gamble 2 A-Brian & Tracy Peas B-Patsy Myers B-Dick Tschantz 3 B-Nick Hentgen B-Bob McCallen III B-Myra Perkins 4 B-Katie Ford 5 A-Scott & Amy Poole 6 A-Steve & Ruthann Pilgrim B-Sylvia Bakehorn B-Jeremy Boardman 7 A-Jim & Sue Burton A-Chad & Christy Maple B-Ann Deardorff B-Carolyn Gilbert B-Jane Mann 8 A-Cal & Carolyn Eichenauer 9 A-Jim & Linda Gardner A-Dean & Lauri Gunderman B-Martha Baker B-Gary Gidley A-Jim & Pat Vanlandingham B-Julia Reed B-Ann Higgins 15 A-Mike & Sue Gray 16 B-Kourtney Hentgen 17 A-Max & Donna Highley B-Jaci Gahl B-Mia Myers 18 A-Bill & Nancy Plummer 19 A-Carl & Kathy Doran A-Jeff & Teresa Galley 20 A-Mike & Angie Beauchamp A-David & Karen Daine B-AJ McCord 21 B-Korey Aarstad B-Teresa Ehret 22 A-Nick & Kourtney Hentgen A-Jerry & Sondra Hipsher B-Susan Keefer 23 A-Dave & Diane England A-Mark & Gloria McClatchey B-Sarah Tish 24 A-Brian & Shelly Myers B-Brett Vanlandingham 25 A-Art & Maxine Haist A-Chuck & Janet Leeka A-Steve & Teresa Witkoske B-Kathy Doran B-Tyler Evans B-Alina Reed A-Sam & Kris Atwood 30 A-Steve & Jane Hentgen A-Daniel & Leslie Stauffer B-Jayne Pepple B-Betty Ream

11 June 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1. 7th Sunday of Easter (White) Ascension Sun. Item Collection for FISH & Kids First 2 5pm- Nominations Committee (workroom) 6:15 PM-Pastor's Bible Study 7PM-Boy Scouts (Scout Room) 7pm-Staff Parish Committee 3 6:00 PM- Wesley Academy Committee 4 6pm-Trustees Day of Pentecost (Red) 9 6:15 PM- Pastor's Bible Study 7PM-Emmaus Board Meeting 7PM-Boy Scouts :30am-Bible Study PM- Wedding Rehearsal (Sanctuary) 14 afternoon- Gidley/Giel Wedding (Sanctuary) Youth Mission Trip to Louisville, KY 15 1st Sunday after Pentecost Trinity Sunday (White) :30am-VBS (Classrooms & MAC) 17 11am-Red Cross Blood Drive (MAC) :30am-VBS (Classrooms & MAC) :30am-VBS (Classrooms & MAC) nd Sunday after Pentecost (Green) 5-7:30pm-VBS (classrooms & MAC) 6:15 PM-Pastor's Bible Study 7PM-Boy Scouts 7:30pm-Ad Council Meeting 23 6:15 PM- Pastor's Bible Study 7PM-Boy Scouts :30am-Bible Study (Conf. Rm) 9:30 AM to early PM-Senior trip to Wabash Co. Museum Camp Adventure (grades 7 & 8) and Epworth Forest (grades 9-12) Church Camp 29 3rd Sunday after Pentecost (Green) 5-7:30pm-VBS (classrooms & MAC) 30 6:15 PM- Pastor's Bible Study 7PM-Boy Scouts SUNDAY SCHEDULE 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Worship Service 9:00 a.m. Teen & Adult Sunday School & Children s Orange Activities 10:15 a.m. Orange Sunday School for Pre-school thru 5th Grade following Children s Message (except for first Sunday each month)