First
Connection
J U LY 2014
First
Connection J U LY 2014
Contents
Our Mission: To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Our Vision: Meet Friends. Meet God. Discover Life.
A Word from Rev. Donnie...............................1 VBS......................................................................2 Youth...................................................................6 Missionary..........................................................7 Preschool and Childcare...................................8 Farewell Mire Family.......................................11 Laundry Love...................................................13 H20 Monthly Items.........................................14 Small Group Study...........................................15 Kitchen Talk.....................................................17 Attendance........................................................17
Our Journey:
Our Practices: On the Cover: VBS Photo, June 2014 First Connection is a publication from: First United Methodist Church of Alexandria 2727 Jackson Street Alexandria, Louisiana 71301 (318) 443-5696 www.fumca.org We would love to hear from you! Please send us your Feedback, Questions, Comments, Story Contributions, Photos, News or Ideas. Editor: Julie Bacon, jbacon@fumca.org. Contributor: Bill Sumrall, bsumrall@fumca. org
Rev. Donnie
A Word From Rev. Donnie Come Away With Me
O
ne day last week I noticed something about myself. But I suspect that what I noticed is not unique to me; if you dare to look, will see the same is true about you, too. What I noticed is that just about every time someone would ask me how I am doing, I would reply, “Busy.” Sometimes I would say it with a boastful tone. Sometimes a whiny one. But time and again, when asked how I was doing, I would say, “Busy.” When I noticed how busy I was, I remembered a story from the Gospel of Mark. The disciples had been very busy doing all the things Jesus had told them to do. There were so many people coming to them “there was no time to eat.” When Jesus saw them he said, “Come away to a quiet place and rest for a while.1”
Jesus didn’t tell the disciples to finish everything they had to do and then rest. There was more to do. There is always more to do. But, even with more things to do, Jesus commanded them to do nothing for a little while. When I remembered the story, it was like Jesus was asking me, “When was the last time you made time to be in a quiet place just to rest for a while?” Rest is a necessary part of life. Genesis tells us God built a day of rest into the very fabric of creation and keeping the Sabbath is one of the Ten Commandments. Through this story, God reminded me that I need to build margin into my life.
Richard Swenson writes, “Margin is the space between our load and our limits. It is the amount allowed beyond that which is needed. It is something held in reserve for contingencies or unanticipated situations. Margin is the gap between rest and exhaustion, the space between breathing freely and suffocating.” How much margin do you have in your life right now? How wide is the gap between rest and exhaustion? Are you breathing freely or suffocating? Maybe Jesus’ words to the disciples are his words to you: “Come away to a quiet place to find rest for your body, mind, and soul.” My prayer for you is that in the next week you will, in Jesus’ name, do nothing. And in your doing nothing, you will find rest. Grace & Peace, Rev. Donnie Wilkinson Senior Pastor
In his book “Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives,” Dr. 1
Mark 6:31
July 2014 | CONNECTION
1
Children
Vacation Bible School 2014 BY Elizabeth Garvin, Director of Children’s Ministry
This past week, we hosted our annual Vacation Bible School. To the theme of “Weird Animals,” children were led through a variety of activities to help them discover that Jesus’ love is one-of-a-kind! Every morning the kids gathered together as “zoo crews” in the sanctuary to sing at the “Sing and Play Stampede.” They also got to spend a few moments with the world-famous zookeeper Dr. Paws (a.k.a. Donnie Wilkinson). Here the kids were introduced daily to a different “weird animal” that served as a Bible memory buddy to help them remember key points about Jesus’
2 July 2014 | CONNECTION
love: Jesus loves even if we feel left out, are different, don’t understand, do wrong things or are afraid! Next, zoo crew leaders led the children through a variety of stations to reinforce the Bible point of the day. Each day they heard a true Bible story and learned a Bible quote in the Bible Adventures room. They made (continued on page 5)
Children
A Week’s Review of VBS in Photos Monday - June 23
Tuesday - June 24
July 2014 | CONNECTION
3
Children
Wednesday - June 25
Thursday - June 26
4 July 2014 | CONNECTION
Children
Friday - June 27
art projects in the “Imagination Station,” and enjoyed snacks in the “Critter Café.” They also enjoyed playing “Untamed Games” in the gym and watching videos in the “KidVid Cinema.” After going to all five stations, the zoo crews reunited in the sanctuary for the “Tail End,” where they recapped all they learned that morning, all while singing and dancing to praise God! All the zoo crew members had a fantastic time thanks to the efforts of all the station leaders, zoo crew leaders, and behind-the-scenes helpers—we could not have done it without you! A special thank you also goes to the ministerial, administrative, and custodial staff for all your hard work getting this VBS together. And don’t forget to save the date! Vacation Bible School next summer will be June 1-5, 2015! If you would like to contact Elizabeth, she can be reached at egarvin@fumca.org.
July 2014 | CONNECTION
5
Youth
Taco Tuesdays
First Youth meets at Taco Bell every Tuesday during the summer (except during the week of Buddy Camp and Camp URC). Youth will meet at Taco Bell on Alexandria Mall Drive at noon for lunch. Each student is responsible for his/her meal and transportation.
Bowling, May 2014 15 youth attended
6 July 2014 | CONNECTION
Youth Lock-in, May 2014 20 youth attended
FUMCA to host Missionary August 13
Helen De Leon Camarce
H
elen de Leon Camarce is a missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Helen lives in Phnom Penh and serves as treasurer of the Cambodia and Southeast Asia Missions, a region of continued development
in the Methodist Church. She is a native of the Philippines and has served in financial responsibilities with the Philippine Central Conference and the Women’s Society of Christian Service. This will be Helen’s first visit to Louisiana.
Come and meet Helen on Wednesday, August 13 as we kick off the initial Gathering for the school year. Dinner starts at 5:15 pm in the Fellowship Hall. $6 adults, $3 children, $20 family; meal plans are available and credit cards are accepted
July 2014 | CONNECTION
7
Preschool
Full of Change BY Kasey Heard, Director of Preschool and Childcare
The preschool department is full of change, and we’re not just talking about diapers. Infants are crawling, crawlers are walking and toddlers are talking! We’re shifting rooms and changing offices.
They were still able to participate in circle time, read and have snack! Our first Summer Fun session went very well and we’re looking forward to a great Session 2. The second session of Summer Fun will begin July 8th.
Our 4 and 5 year olds have enjoyed their time in Vacation Bible School, but everyone is glad to be back to a regular classroom routine. We’ve been very We are still registering students for Fall. Any interested busy with toddlers enjoying swim time and 2 year applicants can call Kasey at 443-2858 or visit www.fumca. olds “tasting the rainbow” and having Donuts with org and follow the preschool links to access registration. Dad. The only mishap so far happened in the middle of June. Apparently, the Batmobile made a drop off in carpool and filled the 4 and 5 year old rooms with super heroes instead of our students! Luckily, the superheroes were familiar with classroom routines.
8 July 2014 | CONNECTION
Preschool
July 2014 | CONNECTION
9
Congratulations Preschool and Childcare!
First Church got voted “Best Daycare” for the third consecutive year by the Cenla Focus Reader’s Choice Awards. Way to go preschool and childcare staff! Keep up the great work!
10 July 2014 | CONNECTION
Farewell “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
I
have learned over the years that trusting God is the most important part of faith. It can also be the most difficult part at times. But in the end, He is God and He calls us to trust in Him always. I have never confessed to fully understand God or how He works. I simply do my best to follow Him. To love Him with my whole heart, mind, and soul. To live in His will. This time, trusting in Him has called me to a new adventure. I have been offered, and accepted, the Campus Director position at the McNeese Wesley Foundation in Lake Charles, LA. This opportunity was not one that I sought after, but, rather was one that pursued me. I first learned back in April that the current Campus Director was being
begin. Sometimes suddenly and not in the ways we expect. I have spent much time in prayer and sought the counsel of many a wise mind throughout this discernment. In the end, I My prayer at that point was, knew that God was closing “God, what are you doing?” this great chapter in my life We are happy here. The past and beginning another. two years in Alexandria had been a wonderful experience Youth ministry is not about for us. A lot of energy and one person. It is about the I am confident effort have been put in to group. get the youth program back that the right volunteers on its feet, and the plan was and leaders are in place to to continue to work hard to continue on with the vision build it up further. However, of building disciples that this was an opportunity for will transform the world. I us to be back at a place we am so very thankful and called home for many years, blessed to have been a part and to be closer to family. of this church family. The experiences gained will The thing about giving the travel with me wherever I go, pen to God and allowing as will the friendships. Him to write our stories is that, like any good book, In Him, chapters end and new ones David Mire appointed elsewhere. A Wesley Foundation board member contacted me shortly afterwards to inform me that I was on a very short list of potential candidates.
July 2014 | CONNECTION
11
Golden Wesley Award
On June 10, First Church was awarded the 2014 Golden Wesley Award for Pub Theology and Laundry Love at the inaugural Wesley Award celebration at the Louisiana Annual Conference in Shreveport. The award is on display in the church office. Rev. Donnie (right) accepting the Wesley Award from Rev. Matt Rawle at the Annual Conference.
12 July 2014 | CONNECTION
Alex Missions
Clara Woolf, Randy Miller and Barbara Ann Brown of the Christian Worship Center on June 26.
Laundry Love Report BY Clara Woolf, Director of Hospitality and Service
500 loads of laundry was washed and dried for this past Laundry Love! How amazing! That is 5,500 pounds of laundry cleaned in 3 hours. You made that possible! Thank you! Please consider being a part of this ministry by either serving or donating! Duties include inserting quarters, detergent and dryer sheets in the machines and spreading God’s love. This is a once a month event held at Top
Spin laundromat located on the corner of Jackson Street and Bolton Avenue in downtown Alexandria from 4pm – 7pm, or you can choose an hour to serve. The next Laundry Love is July 24. Please contact Clara Woolf at 443-5696 ext. 106 or emailing at cwoolf@fumca. org if you are interested in participating.
July 2014 | CONNECTION
13
Alex Missions
H2O: Helping 2 Overcome Homelessness HOMELESS GEAR Backpacks Sleeping Bags Tents Tarps Camping Mess Kits Sunglasses Bike Coats Umbrellas Blankets Bug Spray
Nancy Richards helping at the H2O event in June. BY Clara Woolf, Director of Hospitality and Service
H
2O was a success for the month of June! Many people’s needs were met with clothing, sheets and food. Please consider being a part of this ministry by either passing out items or donating. This is a once a month event held in the Emmanuel Baptist Church parking lot located on Jackson street in downtown Alexandria from 10am – 1pm. The purpose is to reach out to anyone who is need of food, clothing and referrals to resources.
The next H2O event is July 24, and the most needed items to pass out are POWDER, BATTERY OPERATED FANS, MISTERS, FRESH FRUIT. Other items that are being requested are listed to the right. Please contact Clara Woolf by calling the church office at 443-5696 ext. 106 or emailing at cwoolf@ fumca.org if you are interested in donating items or attend the event to pass items out and share God’s love with the homeless.
COLD WEATHER CLOTHING & ITEMS Coats (No dress coats please) Hoodies Sweatshirts (no sweaters please) Knit Caps Gloves Hiking Boots Tennis Shoes (no dress shoes please) Jeans Sweatpants Thermals Socks Hand & Foot Warmers WARM WEATHER CLOTHING & FOOD ITEMS ITEMS Granola Bars Tank Tops (men & women) Juice Boxex, Gatorade, Sports Drinks Shorts (cotton) Pocket T-shirts Bottled Water Fruit Snacks T-shirts Fresh Fruit Underwear Peanut Butter Crackers Mens Boxers M-XL (new only) Jerky Womens 5-11 (new only Trail Mix Baseball Caps Fruit Cups Sunscreen Nuts Tennis Shoes (no dress shoes please) Other Non-perishable Foods
PERSONAL HYGEINE Soap Deodarant Toothbrush Toothpaste Powder Shampoo Conditioner Disposable Razors Shaving Cream Washcloths First Aid Kits & Supplies Lotion Requested items may be dropped off in a marked tub Hydrocortisone Cream in the hallway outside the Fellowship Hall and Library. Calamine Lotion
14 July 2014 | CONNECTION
OTHER ITEMS Batteries Flashlights Duct Tape Manicure Sets Air Pumps Sewing Kits Baby Wipes
Small Group
RSVP to Austin Rinehart at austin.rinehart@me.com
July 2014 | CONNECTION
15
Contact the First Church Staff ph. (318) 443-5696 Rev. Donnie Wilkinson, Senior Pastor
revdonnie@fumca.org; extension 101
David Mire, Youth & Young Adults Director
dmire@fumca.org; extension 105
Elizabeth Garvin, Director of Children’s Ministry egarvin@fumca.org; extension 102 Clara Woolf, Director of Hospitality & Service
cwoolf@fumca.org; extension 106
Kasey Heard, Director of Preschool & Childcare
kheard@fumca.org; extension 119
Mike Wood, Business Manager
mwood@fumca.org; extension 103
Suzy Richey-Smart, Administrative Secretary
ssmart@fumca.org; extension 0
Julie Bacon, Communications Director
jbacon@fumca.org; extension 104
Bill Sumrall, Communications Assistant
bsumrall@fumca.org; extension 108
16 July 2014 | CONNECTION
Kitchen Talk BY Wayne McConnell
V
BS wrapped up another successful session. The theme this year was “Weird Animals,” those that look so different they are considered weird. There are “weird” plants that should be on your list to try, you just might like them. Fruits and vegetables come in colors and shapes that we don’t expect, try them. Yellow tomatoes, yellow carrots, chocolate jalapeno peppers, purple bell peppers, purple potatoes, kohlrabi, “bright lights” swiss chard (with their orange, red, yellow, pink stems and veined leaves), rattle snake
beans, white radishes, romanesco food.” broccoli, orange cauliflower, and the list goes on. I’m always ready to learn, if you garden and want to share stories or Your plate should be bursting with have questions or tips, please stop the different colors of the fruits me in the halls and let’s talk. and vegetables available this time of year. Buy local and support our Enjoy your food, enjoy your local farmers and gardeners. When summer, give thanks, and invite you cook out this summer put some someone to “break bread with you.” veggies on the grill and some fruit Until next time... for dessert. God has granted all this goodness to us, enjoy it to the utmost; apply all your senses to savor his gifts. Remember to give thanks for the hands that produced the food that we eat, remember “no farms, no
Attendance June 15, 2014 June 22, 2014 June 29, 2014
Church
Sunday School
266 258 283
89 165 87
Charge Conference The 2014 Charge Conference for First Church will be held Thursday, October 2 at 3:00pm located at Newman UMC.
July 2014 | CONNECTION
17
VBS 2014