A Publication of First United Methodist Church
April 2014 Transforming Lives by Engaging Our Members to Celebrate and Share God’s Love in Jesus Christ
Our life together
April 2014
Table of Contents The Meeting Place 5
8
14
16
Worship at FUMC by Lamar Drummonds
6
The Giving Tree by Jon and Kathy Seger
8
Finding God in the Everyday by Ali Poor
10
Resurrection and Witness Stories 12-13 Easter Lilies Rev. Brad Franklin
14
Victorious Struggle by Chris Harrison
15
What Difference Does the Resurrection Make by Rev. Brady Whitton
16
Congregational News 18
19
Calendar of Events 19
A P u b l i c at i o n o f First United Methodist Church
From Rev. Brady Whitton Senior Pastor
9 3 0 N o rt h B o u l e va r d B ato n R o u g e , L A 7 0 8 0 2 225-383-4777
Senior Pastor
Rev. Brady Whitton
Associate Pastors
Rev. Brad Franklin Rev. Katie McKay Simpson Rev. Susie Thomas Rev. Ann Trousdale
Editors/Designers
Natalie Smith with the loving support of the FUMC staff
Photographers
Todd Rossnagel Ted (cover art) Natalie Smith Kodi Tanner (pg 17)
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ, Easter is the annual celebration of the resurrection of Christ, and is the most important date in the Christian year. In the early church the Easter celebration included the lighting of a candle, prayer, readings from Scripture, and the joyful celebration of the Lord’s Supper. It was also a common time for baptisms, with resurrection life symbolized by white robes. (Over the centuries some other “spring customs” have been added, including Easter eggs and rabbits!) The dominant note in the celebration of Easter is joy. “Make people laugh and you open heaven to them,” says a rabbinical proverb. “The risen Christ makes life into a constant celebration,” writes the 4th century bishop Athanasius. In this edition of 930north you’ll read several stories that show the resurrection was not just a one-time event thousands of years ago, but that the power of resurrection is alive, well and with us today. As you read I hope you’ll be inspired to look for the resurrection moments in your own life and that you’ll experience just a taste of the joy of Easter. Yours in Christ,
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 of this publication, please call 383-4777.
About the Cover Read on page 16 What Difference Does the Resurrection Make? Discover how the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ was God’s one decisive move in human history.
Brady The response to the Vision Campaign has been overwhelmingly positive so far. As of March 14th we’ve received over 450 Vision Commitment Cards: ··348 have committed to pray for the vision ··417 are interested in being part of making our vision projects a reality ··Over 50% of respondents have increased their financial commitment to the church ··Over 50% have indicated they are willing to commit to give at their pledged level for three years We will continue to collect commitments for the next several weeks and will offer final results at that time. If you haven’t turned in a commitment please contact Fifa Kissinger or go to www.firstmethodist.org and click on the “Vision” tab.
o l l e h say to:
The Meeting Place
Neely Biggs What is your first memory of this church?
When I moved to Baton Rouge after college I began looking for a new church home and church family. After visiting several churches in the Baton Rouge area, I decided to visit FUMC. On my first visit to a Sunday Service, the church members were so warm and welcoming, and the sermon given spoke to my heart and I knew I was home. What are some ways you have been involved in the Children’s Ministry areas of the church? • PAL on Sundays • Substitute in various Sunday School classes when needed • This is my third year on Children’s Council • Vice President Children’s Council (2014) • VBS - Help with decorating and set up • Fall Festival - Help with decorating and set up. I am also in charge of the dining halls. • Teacher Appreciation - Director/Coordinator of the Teacher Appreciation team for Children’s Council How has FUMC helped in forming you? “Our hearts, our minds, our doors...are always open.” This one simple motto has always been a key component of the foundation for me being a United Methodist and a member of FUMC. At FUMC, this “open” philosophy is alive and is the true essence of the church everywhere you look. FUMC is rich in tradition, it’s overflowing with energy and opportunities for Christian growth and development, and it has a congregation with a spirit and commitment to it’s faith and community that is inspiring and contagious. Over the past several years with Rebecca Mitchell taking me under her wing and encouraging me to do more, I have surely found where I belong, and a sense of devotion to share my time, gifts, and talents. I am proud to be a part of such a great church community.
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Joining W Do you love music and worship at First United Methodist Church? Do you like to have fun, and want a one-stop opportunity to support your church with your prayers, presence, gifts, and service? Join on of FUMC’s musical groups or serve on a team that makes enables worship to thrive. Music imprints scripture and truth on our hearts. Especially for children, these words learned and sung will remain with them for a lifetime. Music adorns
Chancel Choir 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary service. Rehearsal is Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Folk Choir 8:30 a.m. Sanctuary service. Rehearsal is Sunday at 5:45 p.m.
worship like the perfume the woman “wasted” on Jesus’ feet (Mark 14:1-11). Singing in a choir or playing in a band creates community and interdependence of spirit and duty – I am one part of the whole body…it is necessary to use my gifts for the good of the whole. Finally, worship (and rehearsal for worship) here on Earth is our preparation for singing and
Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy! Psalm 33:3
worshiping for eternity at God’s throne. Not to mention that making music is fun and accomplishes FUMC’s mission as we Engaging Our Members to Celebrate and Share God’s Love in Jesus Christ. The choirs and bands of First United Methodist Church serve weekly to lift all our hearts in thanks and praise to God. We invite you to join us – now is a perfect time!
Woodland Ringers Handbell Ensemble Monthly Sanctuary services. Rehearsal is Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. America Street Worship Band 11:00 a.m. America Street service Rehearsal is Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Worship The FUMC Wesley and Carol Choirs Present
100%
Chance of Rain A Jazz Cantata for Young Singers April 6 at 6:30pm
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The Giving Tree By Jon and Kathy Seger
Come to the gym on a Sunday morning in early December and you will see church members carrying trash bags. But these trash bags are filled with treasures. Christmas presents for children who otherwise may not have any Christmas presents at all. Wesley Fellowship Sunday School class began The Giving Tree twentyfive years ago. Under the leadership of different members of the class, the project has grown and now reaches about 300 children each year. It started small, and Kathy Shirley remembers delivering the gifts to the schools from the back of her suburban. The gifts no longer fit into a suburban but instead are loaded into a large delivery truck provided by class member Stephen Shirley. Members of Wesley Fellowship then unload the gifts at the schools and the guidance counselor contacts the children’s parents to pick them up. The Giving Tree starts for us in October when we contact the local elementary schools: Bernard Terrace, Magnolia Woods, and Wildwood, as well as the Methodist Children’s Home in Ruston, La and get the blank information slips to them. In late November, we pick up the filled out slips and at the Giving Tree table in the gym, members of the Wesley Fellowship Class give out the slips with the Christmas wishes of the children whose names are provided by the guidance counselors. In early December the members of First Church return the slips attached to bags of gifts for the children.
From Jenny Cohn
We often wish we could experience the joy of the children opening their gifts but the parents pick up the gifts, and that allows them control over when the gifts are given to their children; and also prevents the other children at school from seeing the gifts. We have just completed our 11th year as chairmen of the Giving Tree. The project has transformed our family and the meaning of Christmas for us. When our children were younger they helped with shopping and wrapping gifts. It was important for our children to see us helping others as Jesus taught us to do. The excitement of delivery day is awesome as you see all the gifts and bikes crowded into storage space at the church, and realize how truly caring our congregation is; and how many children will be touched by God’s love on Christmas morning. Through the Giving Tree, we use the organizational talents God blessed us with to transform the lives of others in need. To think that these children members of our community and God’s children - without the Giving Tree, could wake up on Christmas morning with no presents to open … is a sad image. The children may not know that our church is assisting them but that’s not important. What’s important is God’s love is touching them; touching them through the generosity and love of the members of our church. It is a blessing to us to be part of this ministry of First Methodist Church. It is also a blessing to our Sunday school class, to the church members who participate, and especially to the children and their families who are helped by the Giving Tree.
We go as a family to shop for their requested toys, a few necessities and hopefully a surprise or two. The first year, our children had many questions about why we were shopping for others (meaning not them) and they typically wanted a duplicate of every item we bought for themselves. I can honestly say that now they love shopping for our little angels from the tree and really put thought into what they think the children would like. They usually watch me wrap the gifts, but help me to pack them in the respective bags and are so proud & excited to deliver their gifts in the gym. The Giving Tree has gifted our family with an opportunity to spend time together at Christmas in service for our community. We look forward to participating every year!
From Claire Broering
To make the Giving Tree experience even more meaningful, I was able to select one of my reading friends from Magnolia Woods. It made the experience so personal, when I was buying for a child that I care for so much. I know that her favorite color is pink, so I bought all her clothes in her signature color. I was unable to read her shoe size, so I traced her shoe on a piece of paper and bought larger at the store. Without telling her why, I asked what was on her Christmas list, “Barbie house”. I hung tight not buying the house until the day before, but I gave in. I decided that it was what she wanted, despite my feeling that it was plastic junk.
From Angela Heigle
Each year, our family looks forward to visiting the tables set up in the gym to pick out the children with whom we will be able to share the spirit and joy of Christmas. We would take the slips that described the ages, sizes, and any particular wished-for gifts, to the store and let our children, with guidance, pick out a variety of gifts that were either needed or that were thought to be fun to receive. After much deliberation, the gifts were purchased, wrapped and returned to church, to be delivered to the children at their schools. We have enjoyed this giving tradition so much that Sarah, now a student at LSU and not always with us at church, asks that we pick up a slip for her so that she can still participate. Christopher makes sure that we have the “right” brand of clothing or toy. As parents, we appreciate the opportunity to be able to instill the value giving to someone that we will never see or know, and to show the joy that comes from sharing the love of Christ to others at Christmas.
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Witness
by Ali Poor
Worshipful Easter is a time to remember resurrection, which to me is one of the most incredible transformations the world knows. Every person in their life undergoes a transformation, whether it be through appearance, personality, opinions, or both. My faith transformation really started when our awesome youth director, George Ragsdale (shout out!), asked me to sing and lead the youth band. Before this moment, my so-called “faith” moments were spouting off answers to epic Bible Trivia questions in Sunday School. It was time for a change.
I know how to use a microphone. I get the biggest rush just standing on stage and singing. But most importantly, singing with the band has become my exhilarating faith moment. It doesn’t get any better than standing downtown at four in the morning on Easter. It’s just the band, the youth staff, and me.
The first year in the band for me me, being up on stage watching our was definitely different. All my life, I’d music affect the congregation and using been singing in a choir. I was so used to my gift to glorify God, emphasizes my having just a piano, a conductor, and incredible faith transformation- my a choir to fall back on. It was safe to faith resurrection. I don’t think say I was out of my comfort zone. become the woman I knew absolutely nothing about We’ve done all we can. At this Iofwould’ve faith I am today if it weren’t working the stage or microphone, point, we are ready to let go, give for George’s invitation to the let alone leading a band. So when band ,and for God, himself. it came time for my first Sunrise it to God, and truly worship. Service, I let the older band With that being said, I invite members take the lead and I just sang. After weeks of preparation and tons you all to come worship with the youth as we praise God on one of the Now it is my senior year and officially of hard work, the big day has arrived. We’ve done all we can. At this point, we best days of the year. Who knows? my fourth and final Sunrise Service as are ready to let go, give it to God, and You might even become transformed a youth group member. In these past truly worship. I’m not saying it’s perfect, just like me and so many others who four years, so many things have changed we’ve had our fair share of bumps over have felt the love of Jesus Christ. for me. I get to give opinions on songs. the years, but that doesn’t matter. For
witness thru missions “What impacted me most was how little those people had, yet they were all just so happy! It was so nice to just get away for a few days and not have to worry about things that really aren’t important. Overall I think going to Utah was the best experience I’ve had yet, because it made me realize what the truly important things in life are.” Alaina Hebert – 10th Grade “My experience on the mission great was very eye-opening. It showed me how God can work in people’s lives in many different ways. For example, seeing the way the kids acted at the beginning of VBS and then at the end. It also showed me that I can make a difference in people’s lives. In big and little ways.” Jacob Barnes – 7th Grade “I had to choose between soccer camp and the mission trip and I chose the mission trip because it is a very fun time to spread God’s word and be with friends! The thing that affected me most was learning that some children came to VBS to get lunch. It made me realize I am lucky to get to eat three meals a day which normally I would take for granted.” Olivia Labarre – 8th Grade “I think that getting to meet the people and interacting with them really impacted me the most. I thought it was cool to have a relationship with all the kids there.” William D’Armond – 10th Grade
“Our mission trip to Oljato, Utah called me to really stretch myself and open up in a new way as we shared our faith and talents with the children and youth at Vacation Bible School. The beauty of God’s creation in that part of the country was breath taking and humbling. It was so eye-opening to experience a new lifestyle and culture and see how content the Navajo people were with the little they had. The most important things to the Navajo people are God, their family, and friends.”
Easter Sunrise Service
APRIL
20
Come worship and celebrate the Resurrection at the Easter Sunrise Service, April 20th at 6:30 a.m. located Downtown on the North Blvd. Town Center lawn!
Supporting witness Youth Annual Car Wash Who: The Youth at First United Methodist What: Annual car wash fund-raiser When: The car wash will take place on Saturday, May 3. Look for pledge cards in your bulletin on Palm Sunday. You can pledge a dollar amount for every car the youth wash or donate a single contribution. The youth will be making car wash calls on Sunday night, April 27, giving our congregation the opportunity to pledge over the phone. Why: This is our only fund-raiser for our summer mission trips. All of our trips this summer will cost about $15,000. We depend on donations to help make these trips possible for our students and for the communities we are serving.
Mary Madalyn Miller – 12th Grade
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Challenge Your Comfort Zone This time of the year brings thoughts of “the call of Lent”. The church historically calls us to a time of penance and fasting. Most Christians respond to this as a second New Year’s resolution we try to keep. I see Lent as a different time now - a time of spiritual growth. Perhaps we limit our faith by feeling unworthy or incapable of spiritual things. Now there’s a lot to be said for the Bible’s call to repent. But Jesus’ clearest message was one of forgiveness, unconditional love and new beginnings. A few years back I started to approach Lent differently and looked for something “to do” rather than something to “give up”. My prayers and experience led me to see that spiritual growth has little to do with your unworthiness but with your unwillingness. This led me back to teaching Sunday School and being involved in Men’s Spirituality classes and retreats. Lent became a short time of “self-discipline” and commitment centered on learning and not self-denial.
by Kent Rhodes
A few years back I started to approach Lent differently and looked for something “to do” rather than something to “give up”.
One of my obstacles to this grace was an anxiety about not being spiritual or religiously educated enough to teach or lead. I had always kept lessons in my comfort zone. But teaching spirituality classes scared this former Catholic to death. Jesus spent most of his last three years on earth teaching about the nature of God and the Kingdom of Heaven. So what better way to spend Lent than to claim that fact? Each year it is my tradition to read Max Lucado’s book “The Final Week of Jesus”. The book’s theme is that with knowledge of your last week, you would teach daily the important things you wanted left behind. Some of Jesus’ final words in Matthew are to go and teach and make disciples - the “Great Commission”. So this Lent, consider testing your comfort zone. Volunteer to teach or take a class. Get involved in a formational class or sign up for a retreat. My Lenten change of heart has helped me in my quest to know and grow in faith. Teach, learn and grow is a formula Jesus used and, one we should also claim. Have a great Easter; experience learning in Lent!
Seek and Ye Shall F ind
&
I am a cradle Methodist. I am a member of the fourth generation of the Frey-Eaton families to worship at FUMC. I have discovered that my maternal fourth generation grandfather was part of the New Bern Circuit in North Carolina, having been admitted to the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1799. I am a METHODIST, except for the 26 years I spent as an Episcopalian.
by Barbara Ann Eaton
another journey of growth in Christ.
Through spiritual direction with Cherri (one-on-one Christian companioning with Christ as our guide, immersing myself in the many different studies and retreats that the Spiritual Formation Ministry offers and a willingness to get-out of my comfort zone; I now stand in a place, that 10 years ago, as I whispered my little prayer, would have seemed impossible. It was around 10 years ago, as I sat With the guidance and mentorship of in the magnificent Cathedral of St. Rev. Brady and Rev. Susie, I have begun Philip in Atlanta, that I found myself my journey of becoming a Certified softly saying “Lord, is this all there Lay Minister. Most remarkably, is? Help me to grow in You”. Whoa! through this process, I am sensing the With those 11 words, I began a most calling of becoming a Local Pastor in extraordinary journey the UMC, if, of course, it that has lead me to “Lord, is this all there is? is God’s will for my life. depths in Christ that Help me to grow in You” I could have never So, let me ask you imagined. When I returned to Baton this: Where are you on your journey? Rouge in 2007, my mother asked if I Are you ready for a little excitement would join her in “returning home” and spiritual growth? Won’t you join to FUMC. (After World War II, my me in saying aloud that little prayer, parents, Mary & Puna Eaton, moved “Lord, help me to grow in YOU”. from FUMC to University Methodist.) I invite you to walk over to the little I was a tad leery, for I feared that white house (The Center for Spiritual FUMC would be a spiritually dead Formation, located on the corner of church. Was I wrong!! Little did I North Blvd. and Maximilian St.), to know that the Bailey’s old house was now housing “The Ministry of Spiritual visit with Cherri and discover the many opportunities for growth as a Christian. Formation”. Within a month’s time, I had crossed paths with Cherri Johnson, And now, I leave you with almost the same thought as when we started Director of Adult Spiritual Formation and Education, and I, again, was off on Seek And Ye Shall Find and GROW.
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the Joy of
Easter Lilies by Rev. Brad Franklin
In just a few days Christians all over the world will celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord. Easter Sunday brings the message of hope, joy, and new life. Our hearts are filled with gladness knowing that there is victory in Jesus who conquered death so that we could have eternal life. In recognizing that Easter is such a monumental occasion we decorate the sanctuary with white lilies that symbolize this joyous event. The color and formation of the lily symbolize Jesus’ purity and tranquility. The lily offers a powerful resurrection witness to a rebirth and a new beginning that we experience in Christ. Several years ago I picked up an Easter lily after worship and brought it over to a home bound couple who are now with the Lord, but back then stayed connected to our church through the television ministry. Both the husband and wife were in poor health and spent most of their day in bed. I remember the wife sharing with me that she oftentimes felt like a prisoner in her own home. Knowing that background and the day-to-day struggles that
they both had it felt right to bring a lily over. Maybe it was the surprise of a unexpected visit or the exquisite beauty of the lily or maybe it was the overwhelming feeling that comes when you know someone cares, it was a moment I will never forget. As we exchanged hellos and offered a “Happy Easter” to one another, I gave them the Easter lily. Immediately they both lit up and were overcome with happiness. It was as though they had breathed in the sweet aroma of resurrection and hope, joy, and new life had entered back into their bodies. They were changed people. That day I witnessed the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Here’s something to consider for your own reflection time: How have you witnessed the resurrection of Jesus? Consider taking an Easter lily to a home bound church member and experience the overwhelming joy that this gift can bring them on such a glorious day of our Lord. To help deliver joy this Easter, speak with Sandra King.
VICTORY OVER STRUGGLE By Chris Harrison
Jesus changes us. Chris’ resurrection story, even though his didn’t happen here, brought him “home.” Chris made the decision to redirect his life to Jesus Christ, and once he did, he didn’t hesitate to jump in to the First Methodist community. Have you met Chris? Worship at 8:30 Sanctuary Service or 11:00 America Street Service any Sunday – he will be there ready to meet you.
My name is Chris and I am a grateful believer in Jesus Christ. It is important that you understand that I have always believed in Jesus, but was rarely grateful for it. I was afraid of God and his judgment of me. I knew I was a sinner, I knew what I was doing was wrong, but never knew how to stop. I had a difficult childhood. My mother divorced my father when I was very young, too young to have any memories of her. My father gained full custody of me and raised me as best as he knew how. Since before I was even born, he had an addiction to alcohol. While he had long periods of sobriety things were nice - we were members of FUMC and he did many things with me, such as bike riding, swimming lessons, and sports. When I look back on my childhood, these are the things I try to remember. By the time I reached my teens my father had remarried, started drinking
again, and his second wife had left him. Things got really bad after that. The alcohol caused him to have a very short temper and fits of rage. These are the things that I try to forget, but can’t. They became a part of who I am. I learned to live life for the moment, pursuing any little shred of happiness that I could regardless of the consequences. This pattern followed me through high school and into my adult life. I stole, I lied to cover up my stealing, and eventually these things caused me to be estranged from my family and those that I cared about most. I fell into a very bad depression as a result. My grandmother, however, didn’t give up on me. When I had hit rock bottom I went to stay with her. She brought me to her church and introduced me to a program called Celebrate Recovery. It is this program that got me to face the
demons of my past, with the help of Jesus to walk me through it. I became active in the Church: ushering, mission work, and becoming a ministry leader in Celebrate Recovery. I was sitting at a small group meeting listening to one of the men tell what God had done for him that week when I was overcome with the desire to do more. I was not sure what that was at first, so I prayed about it and spoke to my pastors. They told me that what I felt was the call to serve the ministry. I decided in that moment to remake myself as the person that Jesus wanted me to be. I left my life of sin behind and with Jesus’ help I am free of the anger, resentment, and depression that plagued my life for so long. The first Sunday back at First Methodist, I became a member. Within the first month I have joined the volunteer team at America Street and am eager to find new ways to serve.
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What Difference Does the
Resurrection
Make ? As we celebrate Easter some of the questions we might ask are: how does a miracle that happened some 2000 years ago affect my life or your life? What is the significance of the Resurrection of Jesus? What does it mean? What difference does the Resurrection make today? The Resurrection Gives Us a Reason to Hope We often look around the world and it seems as if malicious and negative forces are winning the day . . . disease, war, crime, poverty. Often we look at our own lives and see something negative that seems
to have the upper hand; maybe something outside of ourselves, a bad situation, or maybe within ourselves, our own self-destructive habits. These malicious forces tempt us to throw in the towel, to give up. They whisper, “No matter how well you take care of yourself you’re still going
to die.” “Things in the world are just getting worse.” “Your marriage is doomed.” “Your troubled child will never turn around.” You’ll never get ahead of those bills.” “Give up, you’ll never win.” “There’s no hope. The problem is when we listen to these voices we not only lose
hope in the future we also give up power in the present.
of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ we have a reason to hope - always.
There a story about a small town in Maine called Flagstaff. The town was to be flooded, a dam would be built, and a lake would be created over the site. In the months before it was to be flooded, all improvements and repairs in the whole town were stopped. What was the use of painting a house if it were to be covered with water in six months? Why repair anything when the whole village was to be wiped out? So, week by week, the whole town became more and more run down, more bedraggled, more gone to seed. With no hope in the future, we become powerless in the present.
American playwright Eugene O’Neill writes, - “Easter, if it has any message for us at all, says that human tragedy is never ultimate. He who vacated the tomb is alive, and has not vacated his throne! All powers-that-be will become powers-that-have-been. Easter reminds us that God, who loves us eternally, is in control of the universe.”
As Jesus hung on the cross all of the negative forces in the world rallied around him. He was betrayed, hated, abandoned, beaten, starved, thirsty, humiliated, he bore every sin, and eventually succumbed to death itself. Each of these evils whispered to him, “Give up, you’ll never win.” “There’s no hope.” And for a time it seemed as if he indeed had been beaten.
The Resurrection Promises both Present and Future Victory Now you may ask, “Where is this victory?” Bad things still happen, people still die.
sin and death has already been won. The Bible tells us only God knows when the end of the game will come, but as Christians we believe there will come a day when God’s victory will be completely revealed, peace and justice shall reign, there will be no more tears, or pain, or death - and we will be there to see that day. But we don’t have to wait. You and I can experience the victory of the Resurrection today: Murdo MacDonald, a prisoner of war in Germany and chaplain to American soldiers, told how he learned of the Normandy invasion. Early on D-Day, he was awakened and told that a Scotsman in the British prisoner-of-war camp wanted to see him. MacDonald ran to the barbed wire that separated the two camps. The Scot, who was in touch with the BBC by underground radio, spoke two words in Gaelic, meaning “They have come.” MacDonald ran back to the American camp and spread the news: “They have come . . . They have come.” And everyone knew the allied troops had landed at Normandy. The reaction was incredible. Men jumped and shouted, hugged each other, even rolled on the ground. Outwardly they were still captives, but inwardly they were free.
The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ was God’s one decisive move in human history.
There’s a great scene in the movie The Matrix where the hero, Neo, has been killed by the bad guy, Agent Smith. It has been a great battle. Neo had put up a fight like no one Smith had ever faced before. Smith smiles smugly as he walks away from Neo’s body. Moments later Neo opens his eyes and stands up. Smith looks shocked, puzzled, even a little scared. Smith has thrown everything he has at Neo; he’d fought his best fight. He’d won, he’d killed him! But Neo had prevailed. Smith had met an opponent that was quite simply beyond him. In Jesus Christ, Sin and Death have quite simply met an opponent that is beyond them. Through the Resurrection, Christ won a final victory over death, over all the negative forces at work in our lives and in the world (1 Corinthians 15:54-55). Because
I played chess as a kid and have started playing again. This time I’m taking it a little more seriously – reading some books, etc. There can come a point in game where a Master makes a decisive move. This point can happen early in the game. This move has sealed the fate of the other player, and that player may not even realize it. So the game goes on. All the Master has to do now is wait and play safely. The losing player keeps on playing; attacking, defending, maybe even capturing a piece here and there. But this does nothing to change the outcome of the game. The winner has already been decided by the Master’s one decisive move. The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ was God’s one decisive move in human history. The battle over
How does a miracle that happened some 2000 years ago affect my life or your life? What is the significance of the Resurrection of Jesus? Through the Resurrection, Jesus crossed over from despair to hope, from death to life; and through the Resurrection, you and I are invited to do the same. Almighty God, through your only Son you overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life. Grant that we who celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection may live fully a life of “new birth” today and everyday. Amen.
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Congregational News Celebrating the Birth of...
Welcome New Members!
Luna Lane Delony, Granddaughter of Tricia and Willis Delony Great Grayson Anthony Carroccio, Grandson of Teri Fontenot Sadie Elizabeth Barber, Daughter of Katie and Jeb Barber
Olga & John Sparks
Will, Veronica, & Natalia Waldrop
Allison, Aaron, & Nathan Reid
Robert Myer & Terri Zimmer
Christian Philip Helm, Son of Angela and Chris Helm Thomas Hamilton Booker, Son of Paige and Patrick Booker, Grandson of Lynn and Vic Oliver Phillip Wesley Preis III, Son of Phillip and Emelie, Grandson of Terry and Phil Preis
Sympathy to the Families of... Mr. McEwen Bernice Walsh Paul Humes
Stewardship As of 2/28/14: Actual Budget Variance Income $478,106 $515,693 $37,586 Expense $685,803 $681,243 $4,560 Net Income $207,697 $165,551 $42,146
Weekly Attendance Week of Sunday, February 2
Week of Sunday, February 9
Week of Sunday, February 16
Week of Sunday, February 23
Worship 1,116 Sunday School 430 Total 1,546
Worship 1,154 Sunday School 451 Total 1,605
Worship 1,042 Sunday School 482 Total 1,524
Worship 1,014 Sunday School 414 Total 1,495
APRIL Calendar of Events Weekly Sundays 8:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:40 a.m. 10:20 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:45 p.m.
Worship Café 930 Sunday School Hospitality Coffee Worship HIGH 5 Worship Prayer Ministry
Mondays 9:30 a.m.
Prayer Ministry
Tuesdays 9:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
Knitting Men’s Bible Study Fit @ First Women’s AA AA
Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. 12:10 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 5:45 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
The Bible; Every Day Worship – Chapel Illness Support Group Care Team The Gathering Supper The Gathering Worship Woodland Ringers Chancel Choir
Thursdays 9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Thursday Group Widow’s Walk AA Church Basketball
Fridays 10:15 a.m.
Baby Bouncers
Special Sunday-4/6 9:40 a.m. 12:10 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
Newcomers’ Coffee Service of Prayer for Healing Books of Life The Gathering UMW Book Study
Tuesday-4/8 3:00 p.m.
Spiritual Direction Supervision Group
Wednesday-4/9 10:30 a.m. Sr. Adult Program SATURDAY-4/12 10:00 a.m. Easter Walk Monday-4/14 12:00 p.m.
Executive Committee
Maundy Thursday-4/17 7:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday Service Good Friday-4/18 Office Closed 12:00 p.m. Good Friday Service Easter Sunday-4/20 6:30 a.m. Sunrise Service at the North Blvd Town Square 7:00 a.m. Breakfast in the gym 8:30 a.m. Worship 9:40 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Worship 5:00 p.m. HIGH 5 5:45 p.m. Folk Choir 6:30 p.m. Worship 6:45 p.m. Prayer Ministry
For more dates and events, visit our web site at www.firstmethodist.org
Early Learning Center In April, we will celebrate Week of the Young Child, April 6th – 12th. The Center will be closed on Good Friday, April 18th.
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, plus readings for special Holy Days. April 6 Ezekiel 37:1–14 Psalm 130 (UMH 848) Romans 8:6–11 John 11:1–45 April 13 Matthew 21:1–11 Psalm 118:1–2, 19–29 (UMH 839) April 14 Isaiah 42:1–9 Psalm 36:5–11 (UMH 771) Hebrews 9:11–15 John 12:1–11 April 15 Isaiah 49:1–7 Psalm 71:1–14 (UMH 794) 1 Corinthians 1:18–31 John 12:20–36
April 16 Isaiah 50:4–9a Psalm 70 (UMH 793) Hebrews 12:1–3 John 13:21–32 April 17 Exodus 12:1–4 (5–10) 11–14 Psalm 116:1–4, 12–19 (UMH 837) 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 John 13:1–17, 31b-35 April 18 Isaiah 52:13–53:12 Psalm 22 (UMH 752) Hebrews 10:16–25 John 18:1–19:42
April 19 Job 14:1-14 Psalm 31:1-4, 15-16 (UMH 764) I Peter 4:1-8 Matthew 27:57-66 April 20 Acts 10:34-43 Psalm 118:1–2, 14–24 (UMH 839) Colossians 3:1–4 John 20:1–18 or Matthew 28:1–10 April 27 Acts 2:14a, 22–32 Psalm 16 (UMH 748) 1 Peter 1:3–9 John 20:19–31
Wednesday-4/23 6:30 p.m. VBS Preparation Wednesday-4/30 6:30 p.m. VBS Preparation
April 2014 | 930north Magazine
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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
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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 5:45 p.m. Worship @ Gathering
Nursery Care is available from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Sunday mornings and from 5:007:30 p.m. Wednesday evenings for children ages 8 weeks to kindergarten
l
visit
www.FirstMethodist.org
facebook.com/FUMCBR
for more information
@FUMCBatonRouge