930north February 2015 by First United Methodist Church

A PUBLICATION OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Transforming Lives February 2015

TRANSFORMING LIVES BY ENGAGING OUR MEMBERS TO CELEBRATE AND SHARE GOD’S LOVE IN JESUS CHRIST

The America Street Carols and Candlelight Service Making cards for homebound members at The Gathering (Wednesday evening program)

Filling 100 Christmas Food Boxes for hungry families

Decorating the Chrismon Tree at The Gathering (Wednesday evening program)

Our life together Creating bags for homebound members at The Gathering (Wednesday evening program)

The Longest Night Service is a quiet service, for souls looking for comfort

Avery Helmke and Ella Stephens create notes for homebound members at The Gathering (Wednesday evening program)

February 2015

Table of Contents The Lenten Season

A Bold Generation of Leaders 8

Living Your Legacy 11 12

The Lenten Season at First

Break the Bank by Alex Byo

Forever Changed: Raising up a Bold Generation of Leaders for the Church by Rev. Katie McKay Simpson

Live Your Legacy: The King Family

HYPE After School Program by Adrienne Frith

Congregational News

Calendar of Events

A Publication of First United Methodist Church

From Rev. Brady Whitton Senior Pastor

930 North Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70802 225-383-4777

Senior Pastor

Rev. Brady Whitton

Associate Pastors

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

Rev. Pattye Hewitt Rev. Katie McKay Simpson Rev. Ann Trousdale

Editor

Caroline Tyler

Photographers

Adrienne Frith Natalie Marionneaux Todd Rossnagel Robin Strickland To request to be added to our 930north Magazine mailing list, join our photography or reporting team, or to have information included in a future edition, please call 383-4777.

About the Cover Isaiah 64:8 tells us that “...we are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand,” FUMC aims to transform and mold disciples in our congregation and in the community.

The day before I wrote this article, two gunmen entered the office of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris, France and killed twelve people. Shortly after hearing that story I read about a man who threw his 5 year-old daughter off of a bridge in Florida. Add to this list reports of domestic violence, theft, corruption, suicide, systemic poverty. Deep in my heart I know things don’t have to be this way. Deep in my heart I feel the pull of God’s peace, God’s shalom. But how? What power can bring healing and transformation to the broken places in our world? What power can transform the darker parts of human nature? As a Christian I believe with all my heart that the power to transform the human heart, the power to transform the world, is found in the love and grace of God revealed in Jesus Christ. I believe this because I’ve seen the power of God’s love and grace touch and change others. I’ve experienced this transformative power in my own life as well. This, by the way, is the purpose of the community of Christfollowers called the Church. The

930 North Magazine | February 2015

work of the Church is to share the love and grace of God in Jesus Christ with others -- not just in word but also in deed -- and to call people to lives of love and grace. As it says in Romans 12:2, “Fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out!” (from the Message ‘translation’). In January 2014, The Church Council of First United Methodist Church adopted a mission statement that encapsulates this idea. Our mission is, “Transforming lives by engaging our members to celebrate and share the love of God in Jesus Christ.” (To learn more about our mission and vision visit www. firstmethodist.org/the-vision) In this issue of 930 North you will read stories of how our church is working to fulfill that mission; how by sharing the love of God in Jesus Christ in our community people’s lives are truly being touched and transformed. I hope you’ll be inspired by what you see. I hope you’ll want to join in the great transforming work of Jesus Christ. Yours in Christ,

The Lenten Season at First Ash Wednesday Services

FEBRUARY

7:00 am Noon 6:00 pm

Aldrich Chapel FUMC Sanctuary FUMC Sanctuary

Maundy Thursday

APRIL

A Sermon Series during Lent February 22nd Prayer March 1st Worship/Sacraments th March 8 Scripture Reading th March 15 Christian Conferencing th March 22 Mercy

During Wednesday nights at The Gathering Community Learning Experience, we will have an opportunity to experience these essential practices in a fresh way.

6:00 pm

FUMC Sanctuary

Good Friday Services

“Got Ashes?” Stations available across Downtown Baton Rouge and Port Allen area.

Five Essential Practices for the Christian Life

Lent is a 40-day journey of spiritual renewal and growth in Christian churches around the world. At First United Methodist Church, we have many opportunities for you to practice and deepen your life of faith. Use this time to join in to all our congregation has to offer to help refocus your life to self-examination and repentance, discipline and devotion to God.

APRIL

12:00 pm 7:00 pm

FUMC Sanctuary Conference Center

Easter Services

APRIL

6:30 am Sunrise Service, Town Square (North Blvd & 3rd Street) 8:30 am FUMC Sanctuary 9:45 am FUMC Sanctuary 11:00 am FUMC Sanctuary 11:00 am Conference Center (America Street Service)

Palm Sunday MARCH

Palm Processionals in all services. 8:30 am FUMC Sanctuary 11:00 am FUMC Sanctuary 11:00 am Conference Center

February 2015 | 930 North Magazine

Transforming the complexion of hunger in Greater Baton Rouge. by Alex Byo

the year (USDA). What is more alarming is that of the 14.9% food insecurity rate, 20.2% were children below the age of 18. One can only assume that as the population of the Greater Baton Rouge area continues to grow through 2015, so, too, does the number of food-deprived individuals in our community. We’ve all been there before – those workdays that keep you so occupied that by the time you realize you have yet to eat lunch, it’s already time to start making dinner plans. You are so ready to eat anything that you begin salivating at the very thought of dinner. Dinner finally comes and you eat yourself so full of food that you eventually fade into sleep satisfied and comfortable. Unfortunately, this satisfying feeling we are all familiar with is something we take for granted all too often. Hunger is a real thing, and it is happening right here in our own community. For nearly 30 years, The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank has proudly served those suffering from food insecurity in East Baton Rouge Parish and 10 surrounding parishes. Research conducted by the Food Bank in 2012 revealed staggering food insecurity rates throughout the 11 parishes it serves. The total population in these 11 parishes was, at the time, 847, 697, an area where 17% of the population was at or below the poverty line. The food insecurity rate was 14.9%, which means of the total population, there was an estimated 125,920 individuals who did not have consistent access to adequate food due to a lack of money and other resources at times throughout

930 North Magazine | February 2015

The GBR Food Bank, a nonprofit organization that distributed close to 10 million meals in 2014, relies solely on community support and provides food for more than 130 agencies, completely free of charge. What better organization to challenge the members of First United Methodist Church to

support than the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank? So, on December 14, 2014, we handed out close to 700 paper bags to the congregation following church services and encouraged members to bring the bags back full with food the following Sunday, December 21. The challenge wasn’t in getting members of the congregation to bring the bags back full with food, for we knew this was just another way our members could be active servants of Jesus Christ. The real challenge was in breaking a single day food donation record for a religious organization – we wanted to ‘Break the Bank!’

of food – the equivalent of 5,440 meals! The Food Bank did not share the exact number we exceeded, but did say it was enough to set a new record for the largest amount of food ever collected from a one-day food drive held by a religious organization. James 2:15-17 tells us this masterful story: “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead’” Our members turned their faith into action by placing food donations in front of Christ at the altar and, following our final service, onto the BR Food Bank truck. What a beautiful sight it was to witness, and what a beautiful impact their donations will make in transforming lives.

To say the challenge was met would be an understatement. Our members shattered the Bank by raising an official 6,529 pounds (3.26 tons)

February 2015 | 930 North Magazine

Forever Changed Raising up a Bold Generation of Leaders for the Church by Rev. Katie McKay Simpson

Most churches find it a rare privilege when a person called to ministry rises among them. First United Methodist Church has the blessing of not just one, but seven—yes, seven women and men that have answered the call of God to licensed and ordained ministry. Each person has their own dynamic story of how God’s work through our congregation helped to prepare them to hear that call. One of the primary ways is through a transformation of their narrative they believe and tell about who God is, and how God relates to us in our lives. Clint Bordelon, a former member of another Protestant denomination, joined FUMC only two and a half years ago, and shares often about the impact the transition to the United Methodist Church has made in his life. “Without FUMC introducing me to a more positive view of God, nothing else would be possible….it was foundational, and how we see God determines how we see the potential in ourselves and our neighbors.” Similarly, after a short experience as a member and experiencing Kairos Prison Ministry, mentoring, and mission trips at home and abroad through FUMC, Brandon Halford said, “Coming from a Southern Baptist denomination, FUMC has been vital in my growth and calling. I do not know if I would be where I am without the love and support of my church family. “Both Bordelon and Halford are presently working toward Masters of Divinity in seminaries around the country. Like many young adults seeking scriptural

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guidance, support in the early years of parenting, and a community of believers where they can belong, Becky Poor became a part of our congregation after growing up in another Christian denomination in Lake Charles, LA. After almost 20 years of learning, serving and leading at FUMC, she has also seen her concept of “faithfulness” to God shift to a new understanding. “God continues to mold and shape my faith, as it ever grows stronger. I have more confidence in the ability to ask the hard questions, and realizing that it is okay to wrestle with Scripture, wrestle with my faith, and still know that God will never abandon me.” There are many paths to living out a full-time vocation of ministry in the United Methodist Church. One can discern to be ordained as an elder—such as Rev. Brady Whitton and Rev. Katie McKay Simpson—who are charged with the administrative, and sacramental work in the church, and are appointed at the prayerful direction of a Bishop. There is also the path of the ordained deacon, such as Rev. Ann Trousdale, who works with congregations to connect the ministry of the church to the world. And there are those licensed as local pastors, such as Rev. Pattye Hewitt, who is licensed to preach and minister in one particular congregation. Each of these seven persons, as they discern God’s call upon their life, is considered a “candidate” as they enter into a process of exploration of these paths with other United Methodist Christians across the world. One of the unique elements of our

congregation is we are connected to a denomination that encourages and embraces women’s leadership in the laity and the clergy. Kim McGee, who led faithfully in various congregations around the area for almost 30 years, knew God was calling her to something more. “I experienced my ministry calling in a denomination that did not accept women in all church leadership roles. Embracing chaplaincy guided my family and me to seek membership in a denomination supportive of women in all church leadership roles. I found acceptance at FUMC. Working alongside leadership of both godly men and women allowed me to integrate a deeper sense of my pastoral identity.” Natalie Marionneaux, who also came from another denomination, says, “FUMC has made me ask questions like: What is this place where women are ministers? Where members lead and are so active? How is it that this faith community is so socially conscious? I thought, the Methodists must be doing something right. How can I not want to be a part of that?” First United Methodist Church has embraced a Vision that focuses directly on member engagement. Increasingly, these initiatives have opened doors for opportunities for all to explore new avenues for spiritual leadership. There are several specific ministries that have aided in these persons being transformed and opened to hear God’s voice, preparing each of them to answer their call from God. Spiritual Direction, Sunday School, worship leadership, small group experiences, and mission trips were experiences that were most often cited. Becca Wharton reflects on a youth mission trip and its affect on her life, saying, “I was humbled because a woman with no job living in a trailer with five other residents and one source of income was praying for me and so concerned

Clint Bordelon Status: Currently in process towards ordination as a deacon in the UMC, presently a student at Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, TX. “Through God’s work in and through First United Methodist Church, I have been transformed from a spiritual seeker to an observer of the sacramental life.”

Todd Rossnagel Status: Entering process toward licensing as a local pastor or ordination. Active layperson currently working at FastStart in downtown Baton Rouge. “Through God’s work in and through First United Methodist Church, I have been transformed from an orange to orange juice.”

Kim McGee Status: Entering process to ordination, contnuing work of chaplaincy in Baton Rouge and New Orleans area hospitals. “Through God’s work in and through First United Methodist Church, I have been transformed from stifled to empowered.”

Brandon Halford Status: Working toward ordination as an elder in the UMC, and presently attends Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmington, KY. “Through God’s work in and through First United Methodist Church, I have been transformed from brokenness to wholeness and fullness in God.” February 2015 | 930 North Magazine

Natalie Marionneaux Status: Working full-time at FUMC as the Administrative Assistant to the Congregational Care Ministry and the Special Events Coordinator for the Inviting and Welcoming Ministry, plans to attend seminary in the Fall. “Through God’s work in and through First United Methodist Church, I have been transformed - I feel completely new, truly reborn and renewed.”

Becky Poor Status: Working full-time at FUMC as the Director of Inviting and Welcoming Ministries. Also a student in License to Preach School offered by the Louisiana Annual Conference. “Through God’s work in and through First United Methodist Church, I have been transformed from a spectator to an active, eager participant in God’s wonderful creation!”

Rebecca Wharton Status: Working full-time at First United Methodist Church as the Director of High School Ministries in the youth department. Plans to attend seminary in 2015. “Through God’s work in and through First United Methodist Church, I have been transformed from a mind set on myself to a heart set on God.”

930 North Magazine | February 2015

about the next steps in my life. That last night my heart was changed, my spirit was transformed. I realized God gave me the understanding of what it would mean to give back in His name.” For several years, Todd Rossnagel had been leading and teaching various classes at FUMC. He says, through those experiences, “the itch to explore ministry has been stirring in my soul for at least 10 years.” This past year, Todd was offered his first invitation to preach at the America Street Service. “Feeling completely overwhelmed, I accepted the offer with the full intent of discerning how I would feel, both physically and emotionally, afterward. It was after that sermon in July that I truly felt alive – more so than at any other time in my professional life. I remember walking away from the pulpit with an image of God glancing down at me and whispering, ‘This, my friend, is what you were truly meant to do.’” Each of these men and women are at different stages of exploring candidacy in the United Methodist Church—whether in seminary, or just beginning to ask questions of what full-time Christian ministry would mean for their lives. All the while, they are continuing to provide leadership in our congregation, or are serving faithfully in other cities while they pursue their theological education. As these lives continue to be transformed by the work God is accomplishing through our congregation, they will need your prayers as they continue to discern the next steps of the journey. “First United Methodist changed my whole family…FUMC members and staff have helped and watched me grow up, they have pushed me and supported me to many of my goals even while I was away at college. Without FUMC I am unsure where my life would be or in which direction it would be headed,” Wharton said.

Living Your Legacy We are profiling individuals and families at FUMC that are living out faithful stewardship in their lives through prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. Below is a reflection from a family that is teaching good stewardship to others. Chris and Amy King have been leaders in our congregation for a number of years in various ways. They are a couple that has a heart for ministry, whether it’s serving on mission trips, cooking, working with youth, helping lead worship with music, teaching in an inner city classroom or individual mentorship. Lately, their way of giving back is by working as a team, facilitating their second class of Financial Peace University, which begins April 12th. “There is no telling what we would be able to do and who we could bless if we learned the material at a younger age. It’s really exciting when we are able to introduce the material to young couples since they have so much time to work the plan. It’s never too late, though. I’ve seen the same principles help people past retirement age as well.” The content of the material is Biblically-based, and King said he has seen the program change the lives and behavior of many individuals and couples since he began teaching the course. Chris reflects, “Once you have the attitude that God owns it all, and we are just stewards for God, things change. We don’t believe that the Bible asks us to tithe because the church needs our money. We have discovered that the tithe is there to change us….to change who we are and how we interact with others. When you exercise the “generosity muscle”, and it matures, you become a better friend, spouse, father, boss, employee, etc. We are made in God’s image, and God is the ultimate giver, isn’t he? So, it only makes sense that when we give sacrificially, it’s easier to become who God intended us to be.” Part of the lesson the Kings are trying to instill in other individuals and couples is the power of behavior—which can be our greatest asset or barrier to living a meaningful life. “As Dave Ramsey would say, ‘personal finance is about 80% behavior and 20% knowledge. Aside from behavior, spouses that are not on the same page about money and their personal goals can cause major issues in a marriage. If you and your spouse can both agree on money and goals, things begin to change in a positive way,” Chris said. Of the changes they have felt called to make in their own lives as a family, he said, “we really don’t feel like we’re letting go of anything good. We are blessed more from giving that we could ever be from indulging and consuming. Don’t get me wrong, we certainly enjoy ourselves. But, we do it within a budget and within our means so we can still be generous and give as God would want us to give to help us grow into who he wants us to be.” Chris and Amy have two teenage daughters—Hayley and Mallory. When asked about how they are passing down this wisdom to their children, he answered in a transparent way, “Hopefully, the girls catch on. They have definitely received the message, but whether or not they make it their own is yet to be seen…We wish we would have started earlier with them, but we were still growing while they were growing, and we missed some opportunities.” Interested in taking When asked how they see God calling them to Live their Legacy in daily life, Chris said, “We probably both feel that we fail that legacy more than we live it. We’re Financial Peace University? human. We could be better parents. We could be better friends. We could be better Class meets April 12th - June 7th partners. We could be better professionally. But, what we are is intentional. That’s 4:30 - 6:30 pm the only way we know how to live. One step at a time, one day at a time. We just try To register, contact Chris King to do the right thing.” (chris.king@cox.net)

“We are blessed more from giving that we could ever be from indulging and consuming.” -Chris King

February 2015 | 930 North Magazine

FUMC’s After School Program, HYPE, is one part of the five Vision Initiatives. by Adrienne Frith Under the vision and guidance of First United attended Methodist Church member John F. Smith, Helping HYPE during our Youth Prepare for Excellence (HYPE) kicked off inaugural semester – Zoa’lynn, 8, Jaylah, 7, Joshua, during the Fall of 2014 to much excitement. HYPE 6, and Jacob, 4. “Y’all have been extremely good is our afterschool program that creates a safe, fun neighbors,” Alexander says. “To me the impact is and encouraging environment for students to that y’all really surprised me with the gifts. They complete their schoolwork, learn communication always say, ‘If you don’t ask, you don’t receive.’ So skills and enrich their lives in a multitude I just simply asked … I was really of areas. Volunteers come grateful for everything I received every day and share the love of in more ways than one. I mean, God with the students, assist I really am struggling, but I’m them with their homework and doing my best, so every little share their own unique talents thing I really do appreciate it.” with our students. Those talents At HYPE we have the include dancing, cooking and opportunity to not only transform microbiology lessons, among the students academically, but many others. Every afternoon also spiritually and socially. at HYPE, we have the pleasure Every day the students come to of working with 23 students the program ready to sit down who attend Bernard Terrace and do their homework, but Elementary School. Every the volunteers walk in hoping staff member and volunteer for more than a simple tutoring who walks into HYPE has the session. We strive to give the hope of making an impact and students leadership roles inside transforming those students’ lives. of HYPE and also around the As we move into our second church when the opportunity semester of the program, we want arises. “When I spoke in front to make sure we are continuing of all of the people at the The Gathering at ng ki to make a similar impact on the ea sp nn ly a’ Zo Gathering I was excited. It at HYPE students and, hopefully, their about her experience made me feel like what I had families. We have to continually to say was important and like they wanted to hear evaluate ourselves and our program to ensure that what I had to say,” says Zoa’lynn, a talented artist we are making the type of impact that God has and leader amongst her peers. Zoa’lynn, along with called us to make. Sydney Alexander, a working three other students, spoke to a group of church single mother of six children, has four children who members about HYPE at The Gathering on a

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Wednesday night in November. students’ lives both inside and Zoa’lynn has taken major strides outside the church’s walls. In in her communication skills turn, our hope is that we make since she has attended HYPE, a lasting impact by transforming as well as grown as a leader the lives of their families, too. when it comes time to help “I, who made the stars of other students and adults when night, I will make their darkness needed. The progress is not bright. Who will bear my light to limited to this family; we have them? Whom shall I send? Here been blessed to see multiple I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have students grow throughout heard you calling in the night. I our first semester of the will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will program. “I can also see a hold your people in my heart.” change in Joshua. He is a shy The lyrics to this hymn that we kid, but since he has started all sing so often in church on going to the program he isn’t Sunday mornings answers God’s as shy and he has grown up question of, “Whom shall I some,” Sydney shared with us. send?” It has been our honor to Our hope is that the see first hand how our church students find comfort in has said, “Here I am Lord,” our church setting and that and taken to our vision of they feel as if it is a home transforming lives by engaging, away from home. “It is fun celebrating and sharing the to come to HYPE because I love of Jesus Christ. We hope like to come to the church,” to continue our impact on says Joshua. As Jaylah says, students for years to come. “I’m always excited at the end Before the program of the school day knowing that began, I had no idea the it is time to go to HYPE!” impact and joy the students Of course, HYPE would not would bring to me every day be possible if it were not for and I am sure I am speaking our gracious volunteers. We on behalf of each of our feel so blessed to have members volunteers. It is something within our church who share we are able to experience their love for Jesus in a way first hand. I quickly realized that makes the students feel that the students are not Jaylah’s excitement for the the only people benefitting program. “[The volunteers] are from HYPE - everyone fun. I like having them there involved in the program is. to hang out with and talk to.” It has been a gratifying Interested in experience not only watching volunteering the Rattler siblings with HYPE? Top: Zoa’lynn, Jaylah, Jacob, grow throughout their Contact Adrienne Frith (Director of HYPE), and Joshua first semester, but other Adrienne Frith Middle: Sydney Alexander and her children: (adrienne@firstmethodist.org) students, as well. The Zoa’lynn, Jaylah, Joshua, Jacob, Zavier and Jaelon goal of HYPE will always Bottom: Jacob and Joshua participate in a science be to transform our experiment at HYPE February 2015 | 930 North Magazine

Congregational News Celebrating the Birth of... Clara Marie, Daughter of Curry & Barry Lann Adler Grace, Daughter of Ashley & Todd Grand

Celebrating the Baptism of...

Congratulations Confirmands! On Sunday, January 11th, 30 students joined our congregation by the act of confirmation. We welcome these students as they continue their journey with Christ at FUMC.

Miss Samantha Elizabeth Bass Miss Paige Virginia Fellows Miss Ava Diana Keegan Miss Elle Lauren Keegan Miss Anna Deva Keegan

Sympathy to the Families of... Mr. Charlie Martin Mrs. Helen White Mr. Ross Porter Ms. Memory Tidmore Ms. Newlyn Greer

First United Methodist Church Confirmation Class of 2015 Abby Elizabeth Barlow Samantha Elizabeth Bass Thomas Christian Bottcher Ansley Sophia Brown Jillian Grace Eskew Paige Virginia Fellows Scott Powell Gaspard III Haley Grace Ginn Riley Elizabeth Golightly Parker Rose Guarisco

William Ransom Guffey Hannah Elizabeth Hall Mollie Mae Hyde Thomas Michael Hyde II Mollie Elizabeth Johnson Ava Diana Keegan Allison Grace Lefeaux Eli Carter Marshall Mark Vincent Matassa William Bowen McRae III

2014 Year End

Thank You

As of 12/31/2014: Actual YTD Income $3,689,838 Expense $3,739,787 Net Income ($49,949)

Weekly Attendance

Hollis Ann Newbill Parker Reese Owenby Stephanie Claire Procopio Abby Jane Rossnagel Emma Elizabeth Sarradet Sydney Joy Schneckenburger Andrew Parr Sellers III Emerson Paige Stafford Celia Clare Stevens Claudia Cooper Willis

for your faithful response to our Stewardship Campaign for the 2015 calendar year. If you have not had a chance to make your pledge, visit our website at www.firstmethodist.org.

Week of Sunday, December 7

Week of Sunday, December 14

Week of Sunday, December 21

Week of Sunday, December 28

Worship 1,215 Sunday School 574 Total 1,789

Worship 1,995 Sunday School 587 Total 2,582

Worship 1,461 Sunday School 473 Total 1,934

Worship 2,972 Sunday School 306 Total 3,278

930 North Magazine | February 2015

FEBRUARY Calendar of Events Weekly SUNDAYS 8:30 am 9:00 am 9:40 am 10:20 am 11:00 am 5:00 pm 5:00 pm 6:30 pm 6:45 pm

Worship Café 930 Sunday School Hospitality Coffee Worship Youth & HIGH 5 Coffee, Tea & Theology Worship Prayer Ministry

MONDAYS 9:30 am Prayer Ministry 3:30 pm After School Program TUESDAYS 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:30 am 12:00 pm 3:30 pm

Knitting Men’s Bible Study Fit @ First Women’s AA AA After School Program

WEDNESDAYS 9:30 am The Bible; Every Day 12:10 pm Worship – Chapel 3:30 pm After School Program 4:00 pm Illness Support Group 4:00 pm Member Engagement Phone Team Meeting 4:30 pm Care Team 5:00 pm The Gathering 6:00 pm Woodland Ringers 7:00 pm Chancel Choir THURSDAYS 9:00 am 10:00 am 12:00 pm 7:00 pm 3:30 pm

Thursday Group Widow’s Walk AA Church Basketball After School Program

Special SUNDAY - 2/1 8:00 am Blood Drive 12:10 pm Service of Prayer for Healing

For more dates and events, visit our website at www.firstmethodist.org

Early Learning Center

TUESDAY - 2/10 8:00 am Mission Team Departs for Phnom Penh, Cambodia WEDNESDAY - 2/11 10:30 am Senior Adult Program Charles Dodge: Accordionist THURSDAY - 2/12 6:00 pm Father Daughter Dance SUNDAY - 2/15 8:30 am UMW Sunday TUESDAY - 2/17 - MARDI GRAS DAY FUMC Offices Closed WEDNESDAY - 2/18 - ASH WEDNESDAY 7:30 am Service - Aldrich Chapel 12:10 pm Service - Sanctuary 6:00 pm Service - Sanctuary MONDAY - 2/23 8:00 am Cambodia Mission Team Returns for USA WEDNESDAY - 2/25 7:30 am Senior Adult Outing to Houmas House

Friday 13th Monday 16th Tuesday 17th

Mardi Gras Parade Center Closed Center Closed

Monthly Lectionary Texts The lectionary is a series of Scripture readings for specific days of the year. The United Methodist Church uses a lectionary based on The Revised Common Lectionary, a three-year lectionary. They include four Bible readings for every Sunday. January 26 Deuteronomy 18:15-20 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Mark 1:21-28 Psalm 111

February 15 2 Kings 2:1-12 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 Mark 9:2-9 Psalm 50:1-6

February 8 Isaiah 40:21-31 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 Mark 1:29-39 Psalm 147:1-11, 20c

February 16 Genesis 9:8-17 1 Peter 3:18-22 Mark 1:9-15 Psalm 25:1-10

February 23 Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 Romans 4:13-25 Mark 8:31-38 Psalm 22:23-31

February 2015 | 930 North Magazine

First United Methodist Church

NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PA I D Baton Rouge, LA PERMIT 63

930 North Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Change Service Requested

J oin

us for

W orship Sundays

8:30 a.m. Sanctuary Worship 9:40 a.m. Sunday School for all Ages 11 a.m. Sanctuary and America Street Worship 6:30 p.m. Ory Parish Hall Worship

Wednesdays

12:10 p.m. Aldrich Chapel Worship & Holy Communion Nursery Care is available from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Sunday mornings and from 5:00-7:30 p.m.

visit

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930 North Magazine | February 2014