First United Methodist Church 1001 Pleasant Street Des Moines, IA 50309-2697 February 2018 Volume 65, Issue 2 O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! Psalm 95:6 Worship is the key to drawing nearer to God. It is a heartfelt expression of love, adoration, admiration, fascination, wonder, and celebration. It's something that happens in your heart and soul when you begin to praise God for who God is and offer thanks for all you have been given. What happens when we worship? First, worship brings an upward look, a glance at God on the throne in all God s glory. It refocuses our view of God. It pulls our affections off our idols and puts them onto God. It causes us to remember how good God is, how big, kind, powerful, loving and holy. Second, worship brings an inward look. When you see God for who God really is, you start to see yourself for who you really are. You start seeing things in your heart and in your life that really matter. Genuine worship always leads to an outward look, a personal response or action a desire to be obedient to whatever God calls you to do. Genuine worship isn't just listening to a sermon and singing songs. Genuine worship is seeing God for who God really is God s power, greatness, holiness, sovereignty, love, and compassion and then giving God the best of your time, your talents, your thoughts, your words, and your deeds. True worship is seeing afresh the tremendous worth of God and, in response, giving the best of everything you have. See you in church on Sunday! Measuring Your Discipleship Pathway Progress We are on a journey of discipleship. When you are on any journey it is important to periodically stop and check the map (or GPS) and see where you are. Ask yourself Am I regularly attending worship? Am I living a life of generosity? Am I continuing to read and study God s word? Am I daily spending time in prayer? Am I being a doer of the word by serving others? Christine
2 - THE LIGHT Lent at First Church Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday (February 14 th this year) and ends on Holy Saturday (March 31 st ). The season is a reflective time and a preparation for celebrating Easter. Historically, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by converts and then became a time of penance by all Christians. Below are the Lenten study and worship events at First Church. We hope you will participate in the events that will help you reflect and prepare for this season in a meaningful way. February 14 Ash Wednesday 12:15 PM Mid-Day Ash Wednesday Service 7:00 PM Ash Wednesday Service February 18 Worship: 1 st Sunday in Lent February 21 February 25 Worship: 2 nd Sunday in Lent February 28 5:30 PM Lenten Music Series March 4 Worship: 3 rd Sunday in Lent Communion Food Pantry Sunday March 7 5:30 PM Lenten Music Series March 11 Worship: 4 th Sunday in Lent UMCOR Sunday 11:45 AM Chapel Communion March 14 5:30 PM Lenten Music Series March 18 Worship: 4 th Sunday in Lent 11:45 AM Chapel Communion March 21 March 25 Worship: Palm/Passion Sunday 11:45 AM Chapel Communion March 28 March 29 Holy Thursday 7:00 PM Holy Thursday Service March 30 Good Friday 12:15 PM Good Friday Contemplative Service 1:30 PM Way of the Cross Procession (begins at First Church) 7:00 PM Good Friday Tenebrae Service March 31 Holy Saturday
3 - THE LIGHT Coins for Lent Lenten Devotional Available During the season of Lent we often reflect on our lives and examine all that we have. We also think about what we can do for others. This year we are offering you a chance to help those in need by participating in our Coins for Lent initiative. On February 4 th and 11 th we will have available in Kenyon Hall Lenten Offering Boxes. Please pick up a box (1 per family) and a Lenten Calendar. Each day during the season of Lent you will look at the calendar and place the appropriate number of coins in the offering box. Here is an example: On Ash Wednesday you are asked to count the number of lamps you have in your home and place that number of coins in your offering box. The size of the coin you decide to use is up to you. Just remember as a disciple of Jesus you are asked to give according to what you have received. On Sunday, February 4 th or February 11 th stop by the table in Kenyon Hall to pick up your free copy of The Sanctuary for Lent 2018. This booklet has brief readings for each day of the Lenten season, including a suggested scripture, a short devotion and a prayer. On Easter Sunday we will collect the offering boxes. Your offering will go to support the Central Iowa Shelter. This cold winter has put a strain on their resources and your gift can help them make a difference in the lives of those who are homeless.
4 - THE LIGHT New Lenten Worship Opportunities Several years ago, I helped develop a training in the Iowa United Methodist Conference on Passionate Worship. As I was putting together my presentation I pushed myself to come up with a definition of worship. I wanted to be able to answer the question - for myself anyway Why is it that we worship? the best I could come up with was this: to Connect with The Holy to Connect Community with one another to Connect Church and world During this coming Lenten season, I hope that you will look for opportunities to connect through worship services and experiences. You will find many of those opportunities listed in the Lent at First Church article elsewhere in The Light. Ruth and David Taylor This year, we are offering two additional ways to connect through worship. In addition to our evening Ash Wednesday Service (on February 14 at 7:00 PM) and our regular evening Good Friday Tenebrae Service (on March 30 at 7:00 PM) we will be having mid-day services on both of those days from 12:15 12:45 PM. We hope the addition of these services might make it easier for those living, working or visiting downtown to participate through worship in these meaningful holy days. We hope that you will consider attending these new services and that you will consider inviting others you know that you think might find in them a meaningful way to connect in this Lenten season. Pamela Fernandez Ruth, David, and Pamela all joined First Church on Sunday, December 17 th. Be sure to welcome them into our community of faith!
5 - THE LIGHT Lenten Study to Begin on Feb. 21 st This year s Lenten Study is a continuation of our Advent Study entitled Hallelujah. During Advent we explored Part I of Handel s Messiah. During the season of Lent we will be looking at Parts II and III of this well-known Oratorio. We will be exploring biblical passages as they fit within the biblical setting as well as within the context of Handel s work. During our time together we will not only study the biblical passages but we will listen to a number of the pieces composed by Handel. The study will begin at 6:30 PM on February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21 and 28. If you weren t able to attend the Advent study you can still attend the Lenten study. Books are available for purchase but are not necessary. The cost is $17. February 13 Barbara Welder February 17 Adele McDowell 90+ Birthdays Happy Birthday! Information / Welcome Desk February 4 David & Betty Stout February 11 Mandy Chouangmala February 18 John & Kari Walker February 25 Tom & Donna Gruis February 4 David & Betty Stout February 11 Joan & Frank Hanna February 18 Martha Hardie & Lucille Nichols February 25 Abby & Cory Darrington Office Reception Desk February 4 Ann Herteen February 11 John & Kari Walker February 18 Lucille Nichols February 25 Joan & Frank Hanna
6 - THE LIGHT First UMC 2018 Budget First Church is blessed to have a first class facility, a small, dedicated staff and a loyal, talented and generous membership that keeps our numerous ministry programs vibrant and moving forward. Without the generous contributions of pledges, time and talent by our members, First Church would not be able to continue the programs we provide. Feeding those in need, increasing our payments for Conference apportionments, sponsoring an annual volunteer in mission project and providing support for a United Methodist Missionary in Mongolia are examples of these programs. First Church s 2018 Budget is similar to what it was last year, as well as for the past several years. Here are the major categories of income and expense, and how those categories compare to last year. (2017 Budget numbers are shown, since final results for 2017 are not yet available.): INCOME: 2018 Budget 2017 Budget Amount % Vs. 2017 Amount Current Pledges $169,100 1.92% $165,924 Unpledged Contributions $ 33,000 - $ 33,000 Building Use Income $ 10,000 150.0% $ 4,000 Parking Lot Income $ 32,000-13.5% $ 37,000 CCYC Income $ 35,439 19.7% $ 29,600 Other Income $ 6,320-5.7% $ 6,700 Endowment Earnings $273,479-2.7% $281,103 Total Income $559,338 0.4% $557,327 Key Points On Primary Sources Of Income: Current Pledges: Having only 30% of 2018 projected income come from Current Pledges continues to be a concern. Although expected to be essentially flat with last year (which is good news), Current Pledges are down 12% since 2016 as a result of declining membership and some pledges not being fulfilled. Endowment Earnings: Relying on Endowment Earnings as our primary source of income (49%) is also a concern. And, our dependence on this source remains at a high level, as it was last year (50% of income in last year s original budget). o NOTE: Our continued ability to depend on Endowment Earnings for half or more of our annual income in the long term is unknown, but is probably not possible given the current state of our Endowment. Future economic downturns, whether mild or severe - - such as experienced starting in 2008 - - severely limit, or eliminate, Endowment
7 - THE LIGHT Earnings inflows. Since we have had to greatly rely on Endowment Earnings over the last several years, our outflows of these earnings have far exceeded new annual inflows. Thus, our Endowment Earnings cushion has been, and continues to be, eroded. EXPENSE: 2018 Budget 2017 Budget Amount % Vs. 2017 Amount Staff Expense $330,119-2.2% $337,418 Office Expense $ 22,200 - $ 22,200 Utilities, Maint., Insurance $ 96,650 - $ 96,650 Conference Apportionments $ 69,319 13.7% $ 60,959 Programs (Worship,Hospitality,Etc.) $ 41,050 2.4% $ 40,100 Total Expense $559,338 0.4% $557,327 Key Points On Primary Categories Of Expense: Overall Budget: As in past years, all areas have done a good job of budgeting for 2018, holding expected spending levels close to those originally projected for 2017 and actually experienced in 2016 in many areas. And, also as before, we will probably see actual spending throughout the year be less than what has been budgeted as our staff makes thoughtful spending decisions. Staff Expense: The cost for our staff makes up over half (59%) of First Church s expense budget (as it does with most organizations), and this expense has actually decreased slightly (down 2.2%) from last year s original budget. Our dedicated staff (three full-time and four part-time employees) continues to do an outstanding job of ensuring that our beautiful, historic church fulfills its mission. Apportionments: We have been working over the past few years to increase the percentage paid toward our Conference Apportionments. In 2014, we paid $18,000, or 21%, of the amount requested. In 2015, we paid $15,537, which was 20% of the requested amount. For 2016, we paid $21,500, which was 33% of the amount requested by the Conference. Last year we were finally able to pay 100% of the Conference request of $60,959, and we have budgeted to pay 100% of the Conference s request of $69,319 in 2018. Our ability to meet this extremely important commitment has been due to the generosity of our membership through gifts to our Endowment. Our continued ability to meet this commitment will, of course, be dependent on future levels of Endowment earnings, pledge income and additional gifts to the Endowment. If you have questions about anything in this update, please contact Paul Berg (p.berg@mchsi.com) or Dennis Keller (dennis.kellar@outlook.com).
8 - THE LIGHT 1001 Pleasant Street Des Moines, IA 50309 (515) 244-6209 DMFirstChurch.org NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID DES MOINES, IA PERMIT NO. 4308 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED The Light DEADLINE FOR THE MARCH ISSUE OF THE LIGHT IS FEBRUARY 20 Blanket the World With LOVE February 11 Brrr! When the weather outside is cold and often deep with snow, we burrow under warm blankets every night to stay warm as we fall fast asleep. Now imagine a man on a cold bench or a family standing outside of their home, looking at the devastation caused by a natural disaster... how will they find warmth? For many, a simple blanket given when they most need it is a loving way to offer warmth, to offer hope. Many people without homes have a daily challenge of fighting the bitter cold. Around the world, disasters force people from their homes, sending them to shelters and refugee camps where a blanket can make a big difference. A gift of just $10 provides a sturdy, comforting Church World Service blanket to children, men and women who are struggling against the cold. We may never know how our gifts make a difference in someone s life, but an act of kindness warms the heart of both the giver and receiver. Please consider a gift of one or more blankets on our annual Church World Service Blanket Sunday, February 11, in thanks for the warmth in our homes and in our hearts by wrapping someone with love!
Meet Our New Missionary Our partnership with Rev. Kristen Brown who was serving in Israel/Palestine has come to an end. The Outreach Committee has selected as our new missionary Rev. Chin Cho. Rev. Cho is currently serving as the coordinator of the United Methodist Mission in Mongolia, based in Ulaanbaatar. Bio of Rev. Cho Chin was born in Seoul, South Korea but is a citizen of the US. He earned a B.S. degree from Rutgers University and a Master of Divinity degree from Drew Theological Seminary in New Jersey. He is a member of Grace Korean United Methodist Church in Westwood, New Jersey. Chin and his wife Grace Cho have two children, Joseph and Hannah. Rev. Cho was commissioned as a UM missionary in 2015. His Work The Mongolia Mission is one of several recent mission initiatives of the United Methodist Church. It was launched in 2002 with a hospice ministry and has grown steadily and in 2015 included seven congregations, two of which had more than 200 members each; two children s ministry centers, a detention ministry and health services. Many of the church members are highly educated young people. As the country coordinator, Chin oversees several aspects of ministry, working with local Mongolian United Methodist leaders and other missionaries. He engages in the training of indigenous clergy, who study at the Mongolia Trinity Bible College where he teaches Wesleyan studies. Facts about Mongolia Mongolia is located in northern Asia between China and Russia It is more than twice the size of Texas and slightly smaller than Alaska It is one of the least densely populated countries in the world (2 people per square km) Christians comprise 2.2% of the population. 53% are Buddhist Life expectancy is 69.9 years 2.88 physicians per 1,000 people and 6.8 hospital beds per 1,000 people Depends on China for more than 60% of its external trade It has extensive deposits of copper, gold, coal, molybdenum, fluorspar, uranium, tin, and tungsten that has transformed its landlocked economy from its traditional dependence on herding and agriculture 98.4% of the country is literate Our Commitment Missionaries cannot continue their work without financial support from local churches. First Church has agreed to support Rev. Cho in the amount of $1,700 per year for the next three years. We look forward to establishing a meaningful relationship with Chin and his family. Before our Lenten Study begins we would like to offer supper. The meal will begin at 6:00 and will consist of soup and bread. If you would like to prepare a meal for one of the weeks, please contact Christine. All proceeds will go to support our new missionary, Rev. Chin Cho.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 10 - THE LIGHT Communion Food Pantry 9:15 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM Grapevine Service at Spaghetti Works, 310 Court Ave. Worship 12:30 PM Worship Sanctuary Room 103 LL 5:30 PM Chancel Choir 1 2 3 3:00 8:30 PM Central IA Meal Preparations - Kitchen 7:00 PM Foxhall AA 7:00 PM WhiteChapel Chimes 6:30 PM FUMC serves Central IA Shelter 1420 Mulberry St. 10:00 AM 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Prayer Group Transfiguration of Our Lord Sunday Blanket Sunday 9:15 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM Grapevine Service Worship 12:30 PM Worship Room 103 LL 11:30 AM Theology of the Ordinary CR1 6:30 PM Living Faithfully Study CR 1 5:30 PM Chancel Choir 7:00 PM Foxhall AA 7:00 PM WhiteChapel Chimes 10:00 AM 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Ash Wednesday 9:00 AM Staff Mtg. Prayer Group 6:00 PM CCYC Comm. 6:30 PM Capital City AA 11:30 AM Theology of the Ordinary CR1 12:15 PM Ash Wednesday Service 7:00 PM Ash Wednesday Service 5:30 PM Chancel Choir 7:00 PM Foxhall AA 7:00 PM WhiteChapel Chimes 1:30 7:00 PM Trinity Meal Prep - Kitchen 4:45 PM FUMC serves at Trinity (CFUM Supper Club)- 1548 8th St, DM 10:00 AM 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 1 st Sunday in Lent President s LIGHT 9:15 AM Sunday School Day Article 9:30 AM Grapevine Service Worship 12:30 PM Worship Deadline Prayer Group 5:30 PM Outreach Meeting CR1 11:30 AM Theology of the Ordinary CR1 5:30 PM Lenten Music Series 6:00 PM Lenten Dinner 6:30 PM Lenten Study Location TBD 103,104 5:30 PM Chancel Choir 7:00 PM Foxhall AA 7:00 PM WhiteChapel Chimes 10:00 AM 25 26 27 28 March 1 March 2 March 3 2 nd Sunday in Lent 9:00 AM Staff World Day of 10:00 AM 9:15 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM Grapevine Service Mtg. 5:30 PM Chancel Choir Prayer Prayer Group Worship 12:30 PM Worship Prayer Group 7:00 PM Foxhall AA 10:00 AM Conn. Café Meal Prep - Kitchen 12:00 PM FUMC serves at Connection Café, 815 High St., DM 6:00 PM Church Council - #110 11:30 AM Theology of the Ordinary CR1 5:30 PM Lenten Music Series 6:00 PM Lenten Dinner 6:30 PM Lenten Study Location TBD 103, 104 7:00 PM WhiteChapel Chimes 3:00 8:30 PM Central IA Shelter Meal Preparations - Kitchen 6:30 PM FUMC serves Central IA Shelter 1420 Mulberry St.