THE LIGHT First United Methodist Church 1001 Pleasant Street Des Moines, IA 50309-2697 November 2017 Volume 64, Issue 11 First United Methodist Church Website: www.dmfirstchurch.org Sunday Schedule Nursery available 9:00-11:35 AM Sunday School 9:15 AM The Grapevine 9:30 AM at Spaghetti Works 310 Court Ave. Worship 10:30 AM Mabaan Worship 12:30 PM Pastor Rev. Eric Guy pastor@dmfirstchurch.org Minister of Discipleship Christine Anders christine@dmfirstchurch.org For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may lead lives worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:9-10 The church exists to help us grow in our relationship with God and others through our Christian discipleship. There is a reciprocal quality to strong relationships. Members of the church have a right to expect things of the church and the church has a right to expect things of its members. Any worthwhile relationship involves giving and receiving. The church cannot help people grow in their faith if it is unwilling to ask members to actively engage in the practices that lead to spiritual growth. We are asking you to appraise your spiritual progress regularly by asking: Am I participating in worship regularly? Am I putting my faith into actions through service to others? Office Manager Lisa Karen Hankey officemanager@dmfirstchurch.org Director of Music Dr. Tin-Shi Tam Finance Manager Michelle Mathews michelle@dmfirstchurch.org Maintenance Duane Harris duane@dmfirstchurch.org Director of CCYC Connie McFarlin ccyc@dmfirstchurch.org Am I giving to the church financially (and in other ways) in proportion to what I have received? Do I pray regularly? Am I always exploring ways to learn more about my faith? As a disciple of Jesus it is important to be a learner. We should want to know more about the teachings and way of life of this person we follow. Without learning we cannot follow. Continued on next page
2 - THE LIGHT November 2017 First United Methodist Church Our learning what it means to live as a follower of Jesus doesn t stop when children s Sunday School stops. It isn t over at baptism or confirmation. We never reach the age at which we can say we have learned all we need to know about following Jesus. Disciples don t just materialize. Learning and growing as a disciple is a life-long process. When was the last time you took advantage of a study to learn more about the Bible and the Jesus you follow? We would encourage you to watch for the various classes being offered over the course of the next year to help you learn more about your faith. One such opportunity to learn more about the Bible will be our upcoming Advent Study, Hallelujah. Check it out! $17 but the book will be used for both Advent and Lent. The Advent Study will be held on the following Wednesday evenings: November 29, December 6, December 13 and December 20. The class will begin at 6:30. We are asking for volunteers to prepare a meal each week. It would begin at 5:45. If you would like to fix a simple meal for the group, please contact Christine no later than November 12 th. You could invite a church friend/s to assist in the preparation and cleanup. Expenses will be reimbursed from the proceeds. If we do not get volunteers, we will not have a meal and will begin the study at 6:30. Christine 75 th Wedding Anniversary Congratulations to Byrd and Edna Lange who have spent 75 years in marriage together. They were married on October 3, 1942! Handel s Messiah is one of the best-loved musical compositions of all time. This year for Advent (and Lent, 2018) we will be using a study entitled Hallelujah. This study will help us learn more about the Bible and appreciate this amazing oratorio at a deeper level. The first four sessions of the study are to be used for Advent and the remaining six sessions are to be used during the Lenten season. You may choose to participate in one or both of these classes. The cost of the resource book is 90+ Birthdays Happy 90+ Birthday to the following: Jean Melvin Nov. 9 Gwen Hayes Nov. 19 Ken Langer Nov. 20 Marguerite Klocksiem Nov. 20
3 - THE LIGHT November 2017 First United Methodist Church Celebrating Life Church Clean Up Day The baptism for William Curtis Doll was on Sunday, October 22 Church Clean Up Day On Saturday, November 4 th from 8:00 AM to Noon there will be a Clean Up Day at the church. There are both inside and outside projects needing attention. If you are able to work outside you are invited to bring rakes, gloves, trimmers, leaf blowers, pickups, or trailers for Fall yard clean up. Refreshments will be provided. Come for all of part of the morning. MARK YOUR CALENDAR ADVENT MUSIC SERIES The Southwestern Community College Chamber Singers will be performing Holiday Carols in Concert at the First Church on Tuesday, November 28th at 7:30 p.m. This performance is free and open to the public and will feature carols and masterworks by Mendelssohn, Rutter, McGlynn, Mattson, and Bach. Come ring in the Holiday season and experience the beautiful harmonies that are sure to leave you feeling merry and bright. December 10 at 10:00 AM Chancel Choir and WhiteChapel Chimes December 17 at 10:00 AM Children s Christmas Program December 24 at 10:00 AM Central Iowa Brass Quintet
4 - THE LIGHT November 2017 First United Methodist Church Connection Café Fundraiser Thank you for supporting CFUM Supper Club! The Connection Café serves lunch five days a week to those in the downtown area who are hungry. Every day an average of 140 meals are served. The café is sponsored by the Bridge, an ecumenical outreach program of four downtown churches (First United Methodist Church, Cathedral Church of St. Paul Episcopal, St. Ambrose Cathedral, St. John s Lutheran Church). Operating this type of ministry costs money. To help raise funds, the Bridge Board is hosting a fundraiser featuring John Zickefoose. This oneman show entitled Tin-Pan Theology: A Collection of Songs from the Turn of the (last) century will be held on Sunday, November 5 th at 4:00 pm at Cathedral Church of St. Paul located at 815 High Street. Tickets are $20 and include refreshments and light hors d oeuvres. John has acted with several local theater companies including Stage West, the Repertory Theater of Iowa and Iowa Shakespeare Experience. John Busbee of Culture Buzz says this program is A rich musical romp through yesteryear. Backstage says so if you fancy a stroll down memory lane, waltz on in when John Zickefoose returns a thoroughly enjoyable adventure. Tickets can be purchased from any Bridge Board member (Christine Anders, Jan Lage, Julia Berg or Ned Johnson). You can help us feed those in need and have a fun-filled afternoon. Thanks to your support, First Church has been able to provide an evening meal at Children & Family Urban Movement s Supper Club one day each month for the past 19 years. As the meal coordinator, I have enjoyed working alongside many loyal volunteers and greatly appreciate the financial support given to continue this ministry which serves the ethnically diverse north side neighborhood surrounding Trinity UMC at 8 th & College. At this meal we serve an average of 100 people of all ages, but many are young children, and low income or unemployed persons who thank you as well. Each year at this time, I recruit volunteers to help prepare and/or serve these meals on the third Friday of each month during the coming year. We normally begin preparation around 1:30 p.m. in the church kitchen and then transport the meal to Trinity UMC. Serving begins at 4:45 p.m. and we normally finish by 6 p.m., including light cleanup for those who can stay to help. If you have helped this past year and would like to continue helping in the coming year, or would like to join this team of dedicated volunteers, even for one meal or as a possible substitute, please check the box that will be on the attendance slip during the month of November, or contact me at church, or call 276-3112. If this is something you have thought about doing but just haven t made that commitment yet, I encourage you to give it a try, I know you will be glad you did. I am hoping to add some new volunteers to our team this year! Before preparing a volunteer schedule for the coming year, I will contact each of you to learn how you would like to help and what dates may best fit into your plans.
5 - THE LIGHT November 2017 First United Methodist Church I am also taking this opportunity to ask you to consider making a contribution for meal expenses which are kept in a special fund designated solely for the Supper Club. Rising food costs make your support vital to continuing this ministry. While gifts can be made at any time throughout the year, we make this annual appeal, and these meals will also be a giving option in our Alternative Gift Mart again this year. Donations should be made payable to First Church and designated for the Supper Club. Again, thank you for supporting this ministry to our community... we cannot do it without you! Shirley Christoffersen, CFUM Supper Club meal coordinator Central District Fall Laity Gatherings We will be having our second round of District Laity Gatherings starting in November. We plan to continue these quarterly in four different locations throughout the district. Our goal is to have time for laity to share ideas, concerns, fellowship, and come together to discern how we can become Difference Makers for the future of the United Methodist Church. United Methodist Student Day Special Offering United Methodist Student Day will be observed on November 26, the last of six special Sundays during the year, which calls the church to support students as they prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge. Students attending United Methodist and other accredited colleges and universities are eligible to apply for Gift of Hope scholarships and loans. Ten percent of the collections go to loans and the rest funds scholarships maybe even for someone you know as 10% of the Conference offering is returned to Iowa. United Methodists have a rich heritage of educating. This special Sunday had its beginnings in 1866 when a special fund was provided for advanced education of Sunday school children and candidates for the ministry and missionary service. The demand for scholarships and loans steadily increases, far exceeding our annual offering. What no one person or congregation can do alone, we are doing together to help educate students so they are equipped to make a difference in our world. Field Outreach Minister Naomi Sea Young Wittstruck will be our guest speaker. She will discuss Social Justice and related issues. Dates and Locations for this quarter s gatherings are: November 14 th Van Meter UMC November 16 th Prairie City UMC December 12 th Bloomfield UMC December 14 th Ankeny 1 st UMC Please contact Angela Hansen-Abbas if you have any questions. ahansenabbas@gmail.com In Our Thoughts & Prayers Sympathies to the family and friends of Jean Gillaspey who passed away on October 22 nd.
6 - THE LIGHT November 2017 First United Methodist Church First UMC Financial Performance January - August 2017 (The Church Council reviews this same financial information at each monthly meeting.) OVERALL SUMMARY: Looking at Actual results for the first eight months of 2017, First Church had an operating deficit of $66,769 because Total Operating Income of $212,333 was less than Total Operating Expenses of $279,102. NOTE: We still expect to draw heavily on endowment earnings in 2017 to offset our operating deficit for the year. Just over $118,000 has been budgeted. NOTE: Total Operating Income was $85,547 (28.7%) lower than it was in the first eight months of 2016, although $75,000 of the difference from 2016 was due to one member s bequest. Total Operating Expenses were $10,648 (4.0%) higher than they were during the same eight-month period last year. Comparing Actual results to Budget, Total Operating Income was $6,735 under (worse) than Budget, but that was offset by Total Operating Expenses being $18,742 under (better) than Budget for the first eight months. FIRST EIGHT MONTH S HIGHLIGHTS: Operating Income: Favorable income variances vs. Budget in Current Pledges ($14,791), Prior Year Pledges ($3,859), Extra Giving Income ($4,335) and a few other areas were more than offset by negative variances in Parking Lot Income (-$3,356) and Carry Over (-$32,181), resulting in our being under (worse than) budget on Operating Income by $6,735 for the first eight months. NOTE: Actual results for Current Pledges are down $11,942 (-8.7%) and Prior Year Pledges are $4,658 (- 47.3%) lower than for the same period last year. Operating Expenses: In total, Operating Expenses were $18,742 under (better than) budget through the first eight months. This favorable variance is explained by being under budget on Staff Expenses (-$4,776), Physical Plant Expenses (-$8,877) and Total Program Budget (-$7,089). All areas continue to do a very good job of controlling expenses. NOTE: Actual results for the first eight months show Total Operating Expenses have increased by $10,648 (4.0%) compared to the same period last year. This is entirely explained by the $10,697 (5.6%) increase in Staff Expenses. That increase is due to a 3% wage increase and higher health and welfare costs, all of which were budgeted; no staff positions were added. Continued on next page
7 - THE LIGHT November 2017 First United Methodist Church Apportionments: $60,959 has been budgeted for Apportionments in 2017, which is 100% of the Annual Conference s request. To date, $35,559 (58.3%) has been paid toward this commitment. We intend to pay the balance of our commitment in the third and fourth quarters. NOTE: 2017 will be the first year for some time that First Church will pay 100% of the Annual Conference s request for Apportionments. Just looking at 2005 2016, we have only paid an average of 28.9% of the annual request. In 2008, we managed to pay 57.4%, and we got that up to 75% in 2009, but all other years during this period were close to or below the average. Therefore, given our normally tight budget and heavy reliance on Endowment earnings to offset declines in pledge income, meeting the Apportionment request requires a major commitment. However, we ve made this renewed commitment because we believe that it s equally important to support the ministries and missions outside our immediate church family. Don t Forget Are you looking to streamline efforts with your pledge? Signing up for Automatic Withdraw is a one-time process that has proven to benefit FUMC and the giver! If you have questions, please contact Michelle Mathews at michelle@dmfirstchurch.org or Lisa Karen Hankey at officemanager@dmfirstchurch.org or in the Church Office. If you have questions about anything in this or any other financial update, please contact Paul Berg at p.berg@mchsi.com or Dennis Keller at dennis.kellar@outlook.com. Endowment: Our Endowment s balance on 8/31/2017 was $4,866,302, which is up $384,671 (8.6%) from the closing balance of $4,481,632 on 12/31/2016. This change is due to unrealized gains in the value of the Endowment s investments from normal monthto-month market fluctuations. As noted before, only earnings on Endowment investments may be used to supplement current operating income shortfalls in our budget; Endowment principal is not spent.
8 - THE LIGHT November 2017 First United Methodist Church Thoughts from Cookie Major I was fortunate to be part of a wonderful group of Christians traveling to the Holy Land in 2015. This mission trip, led by Team Leader, Christine Anders, to Israel/Palestine was a moving and highly positive experience. On this journey, we visited with people who shared our faith, learned so much about the people, the culture, and the history of this land. In the Bible we read about the life of Jesus from his birth to his death, but to visit the places Jesus walked, I will cherish those memories the rest of my life. We visited the Holy sites and worshiped with other Christians in this land. The service projects we worked on were so rewarding to us and so appreciated by those in need. This journey was a trip of a lifetime. If possible, go to the Holy Land. It is an unbelievable experience. You will have a chance to visit the Holy Land. Next April 16-27, Christine will be leading another trip to Israel/Palestine. Imagine walking in the footsteps of Jesus; standing on the Mount of Olives looking over the ancient city of Jerusalem, walking the Via Dolorosa, visiting Qumran, the site of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. What would it be like to renew your baptism in the Jordan River and sail on the Sea of Galilee? We will be visiting the cities of Ibillin, Haifa, Capernaum, Cana, Nablus, Hebron, Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Jericho. We will also be visiting Yad Vashem, the Holocaust museum in Jerusalem. If you have always wanted to walk where Jesus walked, this will be a wonderful opportunity. If you or anyone you know might be interested, there is a brochure on the desk in the church office or you can contact Christine at 244-6209 ext. 3 and she can send you a copy. Registration deadline is December 31 st.
9 - THE LIGHT November 2017 First United Methodist Church Welcome/Information Center Schedule November 5 Mandy Chouangmala November 12 Ann Herteen November 19 Volunteers appreciated! November 26 Tom Gruis Waking in Oak Creek Luncheon & Documentary On Sunday, November 5 th following worship, join us in Fellowship Hall for a lunch planned and prepared by the United Methodist Women and then stay for the 35 minute film that follows a community as it heals in the wake of a tragedy. Join us for a powerful and important conversation about overcoming hate through a strong community. Childcare will be available with advance notice. This educational fund raising event is organized by the United Methodist Women of First United Methodist Church. For more information see www.niot.org. Ushers for November: Ned Johnson & Craig Strayer, Head Ushers Rick Broman, Ron Roulet Delvin Sadler (Balcony) Greeters: November 5 Volunteers appreciated! November 12 Tom Gruis November 19 Trudy & Don Gurnsey November 26 Ann & John Sarosi
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 All Saints Day 11:30 AM Theology of the Ordinary - CR1 3 World Community Day 10:30 AM Mabaan Prayer Group Room 103 LL 4 Ingathering 8:00 12:00 PM Church Clean Up Day 5 All Saints Sunday Daylight Savings Ends Communion Food Pantry Sunday 9:15 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM The Grapevine at Spaghetti Works 10:30 AM Worship 11:30 AM UMW Luncheon & Program in Fellowship Hall 12:30 Mabaan Worship Sanctuary 12 9:15 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM The Grapevine at Spaghetti Works 10:30 AM Worship 12:30 Mabaan Worship 19 Bible Sunday Poinsettia Orders Due 9:15 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM The Grapevine at Spaghetti Works 10:30 AM Worship 12:30 Mabaan Worship CR1 Conference Room (main level) CR2 Conference Room (second level) FH Fellowship Hall (lower level) MEPEC Middle East Peace Education Coalition 6 13 5:00 PM Outreach Committee 20 LIGHT Deadline 7 10:30 AM Mabaan Prayer Group Room 103 LL 11:00 AM MEPEC Meeting CR1 14 9:00 AM Staff Mtg. 10:30 AM Mabaan Prayer Group Room 103 LL 6:00 PM CCYC Meeting - CR1 6:30 PM Capitol City AA Fellowship Hall LL 21 10:30 AM Mabaan Prayer Group Room 103 LL 8 11:30 AM Theology of the Ordinary - CR1 15 11:30 AM Theology of the Ordinary 22 11:30 AM Theology of the Ordinary 2 Prayer Group 3:00 PM Prep for serving at shelter - Kitchen 5:30 PM Chancel Choir 6:30 PM FUMC serves Central IA Shelter 1420 Mulberry St. 5:30 PM Chancel Choir 7:00 PM Foxhall AA FH 7:00 PM WhiteChapel Chimes 9 5:30 PM Chancel Choir 7:00 PM Foxhall AA - FH 7:00 PM WhiteChapel Chimes 16 5:30 PM Chancel Choir 7:00 PM Foxhall AA - FH 7:00 PM WhiteChapel Chimes 23 Thanksgiving Day Office Closed 7:00 PM Foxhall AA - FH 10 10:30 AM Mabaan Prayer Group Room 103 LL 10:00 AM Mabaan Prayer Group Room 103 LL 11 Veterans Day 10:00 AM Mabaan Prayer Group Room 103 LL 12:00 PM First UMC-Mabaan Partnership Team Meeting CR2 17 18 10:30 AM 10:00 AM Mabaan Prayer Mabaan Group Prayer Group 1:30 PM Prep for Room 103 serving at LL Supper Club - Kitchen 4:45 PM FUMC serves at Trinity (CFUM Supper Club)- 1548 8th St, DM 24 Thanksgiving Holiday Office Closed 25 10:00 AM Mabaan Prayer Group Room 103 LL 26 Christ the King Sunday United Methodist Student Day offering 9:15 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM The Grapevine at Spaghetti Works 10:30 AM Worship 12:30 Mabaan Worship 27 10 AM 3 PM Downtown Clergy Meeting CR2 Prayer Group 10:00 AM meal prep and serving at 12:00 PM Connection Café, 815 High Street. 6:00 PM Church Council Room #110 LL 28 10:30 AM Mabaan Prayer Group Room 103 LL 7:30 PM Southwestern Community College Concert Choir - Sanctuary 29 11:30 AM Theology of the Ordinary 5:45 PM tentative Advent Meal 6:30 PM Advent Study Rooms 103 & 104 30 5:30 PM Chancel Choir 7:00 PM Foxhall AA - FH 7:00 PM WhiteChapel Chimes
Bring Christmas Cheer to our Saints at Home! First Church is preparing for the delivery of poinsettias to our Saints at Home on Sunday, December 3. A poinsettia from First Church will help remind our Saints at Home that their church family remembers them with love as we send Christmas greetings to them. You can help by: 1. purchasing poinsettias at $5.00 per plant and /or 2. helping deliver poinsettias to our Saints at Home on Sunday, December 3 Please indicate your willingness to help with this ministry by completing the following form and returning your form and your payment by mail, leaving it in the church office or dropping it in the offering plate by Sunday, Nov. 19. Checks should be made out to First United Methodist Church, marked for the Saints at Home Poinsettia Project. Thank you for your help in this important ministry! I/We wish to purchase poinsettias for our Saints at Home. I/We will help deliver poinsettias to our Saints at Home on Sunday, Dec. 3. Name: Phone# Total paid: $ Order your Poinsettias Due by November 19 Christmas Will Soon Be Here Would you like to help provide poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary for this Christmas season? The plants will be available at a cost of $8.00 per plant. To donate one or more of these plants, please complete the form below and place in the offering plate or send to the Church office. Payment must accompany order. All orders are due Sun., Nov. 19. (Please complete one form for each plant ordered. Thank you.) Given By Complete one of the following: In Honor of In Celebration or Recognition of In Memory of
12 - THE LIGHT November 2017 First United Methodist Church First United Methodist Church 1001 Pleasant Street Des Moines, IA 50309-2697 (515) 244-6209 DMFirstChurch.org The LIGHT First United Methodist Church NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID DES MOINES, IA PERMIT NO. 4308 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Sunday, November 5 Daylight Savings Time Ends PIE CARD SALES Thanksgiving will soon be here. Is it your turn to take pie to Thanksgiving dinner? We have you covered! On November 12 and 19, we will once again be selling Baker s Square pie cards. $15 entitles you to any pie they make (except carrot cake and cheese cake) and the church receives $5 for each pie sold. The money will go to help pay support for our missionary. All you have to do is stop by and pick up the pie you want. For Thanksgiving it is suggested you call ahead to order the pie/s you want. Cards are not restricted to use for Thanksgiving. They can be used any time. They also make great gifts!