930north • Fall 2019 Edition

930north

A PUBLICATION OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

TURNING MY LIFE AND WILL OVER Emily Jenks inspires us by bravely sharing her struggle with addiction

FOR FRIENDS WHO FEEL LOST Charlie Potts talks about Atheism and how he found God unexpectedly

FINDING REDEMPTION THROUGH DIVORCE Amanda Lyons invites you to find hope and healing

FALL 2019

First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge

WHO WE ARE MISSION»

Senior Pastor Rev. Brady Whitton Associate Pastors Rev. Fernie Rivera Rev. Dr. Jane Riecke Rev. Greg Toney Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. Don Cottrill Editor & Designer Amy Book Proofreaders Extraordinare Stephanie Schroeck Toni Gilboy Virginia Guffey Lisa Russ Karen Milioto

STRATEGY»

MEASURE»

WHAT WE’RE ABOUT:

Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Going and finding those who are seeking God but not connected to the Church, and inviting them to know God by following Jesus as a part of an authentic Christian community.

LOVE3: A community of people who are growing in their love of God, love of themselves and love of others.

GOD WORKS Our lives, relationships and communities are full of broken places.

We believe that by celebrating and sharing God’s love, individual hearts are transformed and lives are healed.

WELCOME HOME We offer Jesus to everyone—period. We are passionate about making our church hospitable for people of all ages, those already claiming the Christian faith and for non-religious people seeking to find out more.

SERVANT SQUAD We want to help you discover your purpose and use your Godgiven talents to serve, care, teach, lead, and love.

GOT BRAINS? We offer Christ to people who have questions and doubts, creating a space for thinking people to come to faith.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE A Letter from Reverend Brady.....................................................................................4 Turning My Life and Will Over to the Care of God | Emily Jenks...............5 930north is published quarterly for the Baton Rouge community and friends of First United Methodist Church.

HAVE A STORY TO TELL? email abook@firstmethodist.org

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For Friends Who Feel Lost | Charlie Potts.............................................................6 Finding Redemption Through Divorce | Amanda Lyons...............................7 A Journey Down Government Street | Rev. Fernie Rivera............................8 A Community Where No One Is Forgotten | Suzanne Rollins....................10

WANT TO KNOW MORE? visit www.firstmethodist.org or call us at (225) 383-4777

Home For the Next Six Days | Amy McCrae.......................................................11

SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO toni@firstmethodist.org

Upcoming Events Calendar.........................................................................................15

Generations Sanctuary Renovation Update.......................................................14

930north | www.firstmethodist.org | Fall 2019

EMBRACING THE PAST

Phase

RENEWING THE FUTURE

O

n June 19, the Church Council voted to proceed with implementing significant accessibility improvement at T.J. Jemison Boulevard (East Boulevard). This ambitious plan will allow access to the sanctuary elevation without encountering steps via a new covered drop-off, vestibule, and elevator.

Other elements have been incorporated into our Sanctuary Renovation to improve the experience for everyone participating in worship. There will be better seating for wheelchairs; a hearing loop, to help those with hearing aids ‘tune into’ the service; handicapped-accessible restrooms in the Narthex; and a chair lift, to allow access to the pulpit for anyone who cannot climb stairs.

We are excited to introduce these changes to our facility because we want everyone to be able to fully participate in worship.

Members of our own congregation with disabilities testify about their challenges on the FUMC campus. As we live out our strategy of “going and finding those who are seeking God” it’s important that those we “find” face as few barriers as possible in joining us. More information regarding these improvements will be shared in the coming weeks. Please begin praying about how you can contribute to this part of the Generations Campaign.

Fall 2019 | www.firstmethodist.org | 930north

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DEAR ONES IN CHRIST,

I

n my sermons this summer I focused on our church’s mission, strategy, and measure and I have been excited to see the ways our congregation has embraced these ideas and is helping them come alive.

The stories in this edition of 930north illustrate this beautifully.

• Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Read along as Charlie Potts tells how First United Methodist was part of helping him make a deeper commitment to Christ at a time when he was questioning his faith.

• Our strategy is to go find people who are seeking God and who are not connected to the church. Hear Rev. Fernie, Suzanne Rollins, and Amy McRae witness to the ways our church is intentionally reaching beyond its walls to bring Christ to a seeking and hurting world.

• Our measure is not how many people show up or how much money they give, but whether we are growing in love of God, self, and others. Emily Jenks and Amanda Lyons both reveal how, in the midst of terrible pain and struggle, God met them and helped them rediscover love for God, themselves and others.

I hope you can see our mission, strategy, and measure are not just words on a page or banners in the gym. They are a helpful way of understanding the work God has given us and that God is doing in and through the people of First United Methodist Church.

WEDNESDAYS AT FUMC 6:00–8:00 PM BEGINS SEPTEMBER 4—new participants are welcomed into the group at anytime.

Facilitated by Amanda Lyons and a team of caring people who have been there and understand. To join us, register online at WWW.FIRSTMETHODIST.ORG/CONNECT-GROUPS

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Where do you see yourself fitting in to our church’s mission, strategy, and measure? Are you actively involved in worship, group life, and service? Have you shared your faith story with someone, or invited them to join you for worship, a group, or in service? Can you point to ways you’re growing in love of God, self, and others? Want to share your story and help us inspire others? If so, send an email to Amy Book at abook@firstmethodist.org.

I’m excited about the many things I see God doing in and through the people of First United Methodist Church.

I hope you are too! I can’t wait to see what stories we’ll be able to tell in the days to come. I hope yours will be one of them!

Yours In Christ,

Reverend Brady Whitton

SUNDAYS AT FUMC 2:00–4:00 PM BEGINS NOVEMBER 3 GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone.

To join us, register online at WWW.FIRSTMETHODIST.ORG/CONNECT-GROUPS

TURNING MY LIFE AND WILL OVER TO THE CARE OF GOD BY EMILY JENKS

W

hen Reverend Brady asked me to share my testimony in worship a couple of months ago, I wasn’t sure where to even begin. 1) How was God at work in my life before I knew it? 2) How has following Jesus “saved” me? 3) What area of my life is God currently remaking?

Suddenly, the thoughts started to pour out…God was at work in my life from the moment I took my first breath. He blessed me with two incredible parents who have shown me the true meaning of unconditional love.

God placed me in a loving home environment where church was a regular occurrence and special moments like baptism, first communion and confirmation were full of love and guidance. Even though I was supported by an incredible family with a strong faith and honest morals…somewhere along the way I lost sight of God’s will for me, and I started living a life full of self will instead.

Emily and Dylan Jenks with their fur baby, Wilson.

It didn’t matter if I had a college paper due. It didn’t matter if my true friends wanted to catch up over coffee. Drugs came first. I was completely lost. I had lost myself in my addiction and I didn’t think there was a way out.

Looking back, the answer is SO clear. Even during those 5 years, when I was using drugs, stealing from loved ones, lying to anyone that walked into my life, God never left my side. He was working through my

During those years, if you would have asked me the question, “how is God at work in your life?” there is no way I could have answered this question, simply because I didn’t believe He was in my life. How could He be in my life? I viewed myself as a bad person.

At the age of 19, I started to go through moments of insecurity, fear and resentment…these moments led me to be dishonest. The lies would result in me stealing from my parents. The money they would give me for sorority fees and college textbooks, I would take and spend on drugs. The reality of the life I was living was a complete lie, and this quickly led me to a feeling of guilt, shame and remorse. Instead of leaning on God, my family, and my faith…I found myself relying on drugs and alcohol. This short-term solution of using drugs to feel some sort of relief lasted for 5 long years.

During those years, if you would have asked me the question, “how is God at work in your life?” there is no way I could have answered this question, simply because I didn’t believe He was in my life. How could He be in my life? I viewed myself as a bad person. All those honest morals my parents had raised me with–I had completely abandoned. I was a selfish, dishonest and inconsiderate person.

In all reality, I was a drug addict. It didn’t matter if my Mom wanted to spend quality time with me.

parents who never gave up on me. He was working through friends and people in the community who prayed for me. He was there…He was just waiting for me to surrender to Him. And finally, that day came.

On Sunday February 17, 2013 I made the decision to get sober. You might be wondering, “what led me to this decision?" Well, I see it as God. God was doing for me what I could not do for myself. I was caught. The truth about the reality of my life came to surface. And for the first time in 5 years, I could not come up with another lie. I could not steal another valuable item from a loved one to support my addiction. I could not walk into another pawn shop. On that Sunday morning, I had this sense of complete defeat. I was done. And I wanted a way out. God was at work in my life, in this very moment through my parents. They never left my side. In fact, my dad is also an alcoholic. He got sober on August 12, 1991.

To this day, my dad has 28 years of continuous sobriety. (Continued on page 12)

Fall 2019 | www.firstmethodist.org | 930north

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FOR FRIENDS WHO FEEL LOST

BY CHARLIE POTTS

I

'm pretty open about the fact that I not only walked away from church, but I also walked so far away from God, or the idea of God, that I flirted with the ideals of atheism for a while. I was raised in a Catholic household, a devout and good Catholic household. We went to confession, attended mass every Sunday even when we were on vacation, I sang in the choir and served as an altar server, my dad and I were lectors, my mom was a Eucharistic minister. To the outside world we were the ideal example of a Catholic family [In reality, my parents and brother still are, while I questioned all of it for as long as I can remember.] It didn't matter how hard I tried to fall in line, follow the rules of the Catholic doctrine, and search for God's presence, I couldn't find Him. I'd occasionally get that warm secure feeling, but it was short lived. And through all of that, I felt that something was wrong with me because I couldn't seem to find this personal relationship with God.

of our lives. God has always been with me, inside of me, and once I learned that, I learned to carry Him with me to church, into the homes of patients, and to let Him guide me in reading the Bible.

Fast forward a few years, my now-wife, I didn't have high expectations for my Katie and I were weeks away from walking relationship with God and this dude down the aisle and the pastor who had been named Jesus who may or may not exist. a part of every step of our relationship and was performing our wedding all but pulled the rug out from under us...because we He is within each of us, and when we moved in together prior to our wedding so that I could help her when gather in church, retreats, revivals, etc. her arthritis all but crippled her. In his words, it was all about the in His name we are able to more fully perception of him to the rest of the congregation if they were to find experience the wonder that is God. out that he allowed an unmarried couple to serve in the church while living together. So perception is everything I guess.

I don't know that I would have found this new relationship with God without For several years after this I had no interest in church, God, or Katie and First Methodist. I will always Jesus. I tried on a few occasions to go to mass, but where I used to have a place of respect for the Catholic feel like a guest going through the motions in church, I now felt like Church, it is where I was raised. I'm an unwelcome intruder. Why would I feel that way in God's house if not sorry at all for my experiences. I He were there? Doesn't God welcome all into His home? believe I had to walk those paths as a Catholic and as a pseudo-Atheist to find My wife is an angel here on earth; sometimes a feisty, sassy, cranky the relationship I have with God today. angel, but an angel none the less. She began singing at First Methodist Having walked the latter path, I now and after a while she and Lamar, the choir director, invited me to join realize what I was missing in that time the choir as well. I didn't have high expectations for my relationship of disbelief. with God and this dude named Jesus who may or may not exist. I just really wanted to make music with an awesome choir.

As Dolly Parton says in the film Steel Magnolias, “God doesn't care where you The last 5 years have been a complete blur, but through all of the go, as long as you show up." God is not aspects–the pastors, sermons, music, the members–at FUMC I have a place, or a thing, or a denomination… finally found the relationship with God that I searched for most of my God is a state of being and where there life and for a while gave up on finding. I no longer feel like a guest are many gathered in that state of being, or intruder in church, but like a member of a greater family of God. that is God…well, that is a powerful But I didn't find it because God is or isn't at the Methodist church. I gathering. For friends who feel lost, had been looking for Him in all of the wrong places. I have learned don't be disheartened. God is there–He is to look for God within myself and in other people. In others' acts of always there. generosity, kindness, and love. God is not a church building, He's not a book filled with poems and stories, He's not a group of people. He is in each of us and works through us if we allow Him to be a present part

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FINDING REDEMPTION THROUGH DIVORCE

BY AMANDA LYONS

I

never wanted this. I was 27 years old, and my husband of five years was asking for a divorce. You see, I did not really believe in divorce. I took seriously Jesus’ words: “What God has joined together, let no man separate.” I admitted that I was not perfect, and I wanted to work on our issues. Eventually I realized that it takes two to work on a marriage and reluctantly agreed. Signing the papers titled “Dissolution of Marriage” was the worst day of my life. I was numb. Pretty soon I was angry. I felt that I had failed in the most public fashion. I was utterly devastated.

I shared this horrible news with family, friends, and colleagues. Every single time, I wondered if they would reject me. Well, I had some pretty awesome people in my life...no one did. I was humbled and grateful.

I had no idea how to heal and recover, so I began meeting with my pastor and a counselor. I will never forget my counselor saying, “Every day your head hits the pillow is a victory.” I latched onto that as I entered what would be a depression lasting eight months.

My counselor mentioned the DivorceCare program. I had never heard of it but registered as soon as I could.

Walking through the door was extremely difficult. My divorce had been finalized the week before. I mostly sat and listened. But for the first time, I was with other people who were experiencing the same pain as me. Their circumstances may have looked different, but we were all hurting.

DivorceCare transformed my life. It is a 13-week, biblically-based divorce recovery support group. Each week, we watched a video and then talked about it.

The videos covered topics like anger, depression, kids, forgiveness, and finances. One night a few weeks into the DC program, I reached the end of myself. I remember lying on the floor of my living room and wondering how I could survive the pain I was feeling. Like visceral, raw, gut-wrenching pain.

Every day. Dying seemed easier.

In that moment, I asked God to pick me up and carry me because I couldn’t do it on my own.

(And believe me, I had tried.) I asked God to make something good out of the hurt. I asked God to help me forgive.

And you know what? He did. Friends, we serve the Great Redeemer. I do not believe that he brings us pain and suffering, but he can redeem it for the good. I believe that our relationships fail because we live in a fallen world where sin and evil and hurting people sometimes prevail. But darkness does not have the last word. God will make us children of the light if we let him.

Today, five years out from my divorce, I can unequivocally say that I am grateful for the experience. I am more compassionate, more humble, more kind. It has been the crucible of my life, burning away all of the chaff.

Burning hurts. A lot. But through the process, I discovered the truth and beauty and grandeur of our Lord. I had built my life on the shifting sands and when everything came crashing down, He was there. And he will be there for you too.

I will be leading a new DivorceCare group at First Methodist that starts this fall. The group is “open,” so new members can join at any time during the 13-week cycle. If you (or someone in your life) is experiencing separation or divorce, please know that you are not alone.

There is hope and there is healing. We stand with you.

WEDNESDAYS 6:00–8:00 PM BEGINS SEPTEMBER 4—new participants are welcomed into the group at anytime.

Facilitated by Amanda Lyons and a team of caring people who have been there and understand. Fall To join us,| www.firstmethodist.org register at 2019 | 930north

WWW.FIRSTMETHODIST.ORG/CONNECT-GROUPS

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A JOURNEY DOWN GOVERNMENT STREET

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e all know how frustrating Baton Rouge traffic can be.

BY REV. FERNIE RIVERA

In order to avoid traffic and frustration from I-10 rush hour, people started telling me to take Government Street. But they also told me stuff like “Don’t go down Government Street at night, it’s dangerous.” “Make sure your doors are locked if you are at a red light.”

Over and over again I was told that going down Government Street was a risk. But if I was really that annoyed with traffic, then Government street was my only option.

One day, annoyed by the traffic jam that is Baton Rouge, I decided I would take a journey

I saw people who love their neighborhood, who had a lot of hopes and dreams for their neighborhood and I saw a community that was on the cusp of some amazing changes. down Government Street and see for myself.

What I saw was incredible. I saw people who love their neighborhood, who had a lot of hopes and dreams for their neighborhood and I saw a community that was on the cusp of some amazing changes. I found a local coffee shop, Brew Ha-Ha, where I could work on my sermons. I finally found a barber I liked at Cutrone’s. I found great pizza at Fleur de Lis and amazing Mexican food at Superior Grill.

The more I drove down Government Street, the more in love I fell with this community. And

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the more I fell in love with this community, the more God began to place a vision in my heart for a new worshiping community in the Mid City area.

Today, our church is laying down the groundwork for the launch of our second campus: Mid City Church. In the coming years, Mid City is expected to continue to grow.

Housing and businesses continue to influx and streets are beginning to see makeovers.

The average age of people living in Mid City is expected to drop to 38 and it is one of the most diverse communities in Baton Rouge.

There are a lot of exciting things taking place and we get to be a part of it!

Traditionally, a church launch picks a date, picks a place, and then waits for people to come. But we are turning that model upside down. Our first goal is to build small groups, serve our community, and live life together.

In doing so, people can have a full Christian life experience from their very first encounter with us.

So what is happening now? For starters, we have a weekly devotional that offers people an opportunity to deepen their spiritual journey.

Many have shared with us how this devotional has helped them through their struggles.

For those interested in joining or learning more about Mid City Church (MCC), we offer monthly informational gatherings. These events help us interact with people, get them involved and spread the word about MCC.

help serve our community in meaningful and impactful ways. At MCC, one of our core values is that we are all called to actively participate in the Kingdom of God. This partnership, along with others that we are continuing to build, will help us live out this value.

Along with these opportunities, we also have places for anyone to begin serving right now. We are building serve teams, a marketing team, and a worship team including musicians, audio and tech. These teams continue to grow and I am blown away by the interest people are expressing.

Mid City Church is also currently offering three small groups (young adults, women’s and musicians) with more to come. These groups get together weekly for bible study, Christian conversations, and to check in with each other.

We know that life can be difficult but having a group of friends to journey through life with can be very helpful.

We have also partnered with different organizations: Mid City Redevelopment Alliance, F.I.T.E. (Famine Is The Enemy), and Mid City Merchants, so that together we can

I want to invite you to join us. Join us in spreading the word. Help us connect with people whose lives would be transformed through what Mid City Church has to offer.

Join us in praying for what we are doing. I believe that God is doing some amazing things in the Mid City community and that God has trusted us with being a Christian presence there. I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t be more excited for this journey!

Together on the journey,

Pastor Fernie

Fall 2019 | www.firstmethodist.org | 930north

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A COMMUNITY WHERE NO ONE IS FORGOTTEN

BY SUZANNE ROLLINS

L

ast summer I was asked if I might be interested in participating in a new ministry of First United Methodist Church (FUMC). As I learned more about the Congregational Care Lay Ministry, I knew I wanted to be a part of it because it was a way for me to give back some of what I and my family received from this caring church community during a very arduous time for us.

My husband was chronically ill for several years and his health substantially deteriorated and was terminal in the last six months of 2014. As his primary caregiver, I was exhausted and overwhelmed.

The Care Ministry at FUMC walked with us every step of the way. We were enveloped with prayers, consoled by empathetic notes, our days brightened when flowers were delivered, strengthened by healing services and comforted by hospital visits. Our church was ever present, walking beside us as a constant reminder of God’s steadfast concern for our well-being.

In fact, I firmly believe that was the reason he decided to become a member of our church in 2014. Dexter was a cradle Episcopalian, member of a local church and sporadic worshipper at FUMC. When he joined the church it meant so much to me! In his final days as we discussed memorial service plans, he was adamant that it was to be a Methodist service and internment would be in the FUMC columbarium.

As I prayed about joining this ministry, one specific experience kept coming to my mind. It had been a particularly difficult week that landed us once again in the ER. My husband was finally settled and I sat down to gather myself. As soon as I sat down, there was a knock and the curtain pulled back. I quickly took a deep breath readying myself to speak to the medical personnel. When I looked up, I was greeted by two people from FUMC. For a brief moment the weight of the world was lifted from my shoulders. Those two angels asked if there was anything they could do...no, their presence was everything!

Our church was present, bringing the hands, heart and light of God to us. When they left, I remember looking up and saying, “Yes God, You do have this!”

So, what is Congregation Care Lay Ministry and what do we do?

The ministry's mission is keeping people connected, with a vision of creating a community where no one feels alone or forgotten. We are the presence of Christ bringing warmth, compassion, the light of God and our church to those who cannot physically attend. CCLMs visit the homebound and those in nursing facilities and hospitals. We are trained and commissioned to represent FUMC with our presence and prayer, as well as administering communion and anointing.

Colossians 3:23-24 reads “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart and you will receive an inheritance from the Lord.” As with

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many ministries, CCLMs receive tenfold what we give when we hear things like: “It’s so good that the church knows I am here…I am not forgotten” and experience the light of love in the eyes of a grandparent with memory loss when she is shown a photo of her grandson taken at Sunday School. And after praying with a stroke victim, she mouths “thank you.”

Tearfully her daughter said, “She hasn’t spoken a word in two weeks.”

Recently, I was given the opportunity to attend a Care Conference in Kansas City. Sitting in the conference center with 300 folks from around the U.S., I was bursting with pride for the works of our church, the vision of our leadership, and the caring support we offer the community. I was energized and empowered to be a part of continuing, strengthening and growing the CCLM ministry here.

Maybe God is calling you to help us keep people connected by creating a community where no one feels forgotten. I hope you will prayerfully consider becoming a part of the CCLM ministry and may you feel God’s loving presence and peace today and always.

For more information about the Congregational Care Lay Ministry, including when the next CCLM training will begin, please contact: Rebecca Mitchell at 383-4777 or rebecca@firstmethodist.org.

HOME FOR THE NEXT SIX DAYS

BY AMY MCCRAE

I

n a recent sermon, Rev. Brady challenged us to go out and spread the good news. He reminded us that yes, we live in a broken world with pain and destruction, however, we have a good and loving God who sent His own son to rescue us and promises to make all things right again. And that good news is worth sharing!

Marianna is a small, closely-knit town nestled in the northern woods of the Florida panhandle. It is little known, but for our family it is the town that raised my husband, Bowen, and has a special place in our hearts. Earlier this spring, Kale Wetekamm, the Director of Youth Ministry at First United Methodist Church, told Bowen and I that the youth ministry had chosen Marianna as the destination for their annual senior high mission trip.

We were blessed and knew our whole family would be on board. Last October, Hurricane Michael swept through this sweet, small town and left a wake of destruction in its path. The folks there needed to hear the good news and God knew our FUMC youth would help fulfill His plan.

Over the Memorial Day weekend, we all attended worship at FUMC. Then our mission team hit the road in a convoy of packed vans and SUVs. I’ll be honest, this was my first mission trip as an adult and as I made the drive to Florida, I had a few reservations on my mind. Would I get the sleep I needed on an air mattress all week? Was I prepared to lead a team of youth on a demolition job?

Would we be safe working in the extreme heat? Could these teens rise-up on their first week of summer and rebuild lives in Marianna? Could I rise-up and help rebuild lives in Marianna? Many challenges were on my mind as we pulled into town that afternoon.

As our vehicles pulled in the driveway at First Methodist of Marianna, Bowen’s childhood church, my heart was filled with love and gratitude. This would be “home” for the next six days. To have 45 youth and 12 adults from our home church volunteer to serve in Bowen’s hometown, overflowed my heart with love. It was emotional and amazing to me that these two worlds were coming together through God’s loving grace.

It was reported that Marianna lost 80% of its trees in the hurricane. When we drove to our worksites the first day, I was sad to see how drastically different the town looked. Evidence of the damage was everywhere and many trees were still laying on rooftops. My team was assigned to Evangel Church and Worship Center. We worked in several buildings pulling out sheet rock, insulation, and debris. It was tough, hot and tiring, but my team of youth were amazing. They were driven with such energy that they kept me going when I wanted to quit. Their positive outlook and ability to shine while doing challenging work, was truly contagious.

Our six teams would divide and conquer in the mornings, heading out to homes and churches, working all day long. Roofs were laid, ramps were built, yard work was done and there was a lot of demolition…and have I mentioned the heat?! Temperatures were between 95-100 degrees all week. Our groups would gather in the evenings for dinner, worship and to share the day’s events.

As I heard about the physical restoration being done, I felt so proud of our teens and as the week progressed, I noticed that more than just buildings were being restored.

For eight months the folks in Marianna had been struggling from the devastation the hurricane delivered.

People were weary and hearts were tired from the challenges they faced as they tried to rebuild their homes, businesses and lives. I found that just talking with homeowners brought them hope. Going that extra step to help serve someone else put a smile on their face and brought some joy back into their hearts. Our youth went out of their way to share the good news and hope that is found in Jesus. They spent time developing relationships with the homeowners, laughing with them and getting to know them. They invited them to eat dinner with us in the evenings and stay for worship. Those weary and heavy hearts were being restored by the joy our teens shared with them. They were even inspired to get up, yet again, and begin working alongside of us. The reservations I had at the beginning of our trip made me embarrassed that I ever doubted what the power of God could do through this team of youth.

(Continued on page 11) Fall 2019 | www.firstmethodist.org | 930north

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TURNING MY LIFE & WILL OVER TO THE CARE OF GOD

BY EMILY JENKS (Continued from page 5)

I truly believe God blessed me with a sober father, who could relate to my struggles while providing me with hope and faith of a better life.

Jeremiah 29:11, "for I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." The moment I made the decision to turn my life and my will over to the care of God, everything started to change. Following Jesus has opened my eyes to trust His plan for me. I used to live in regret of the past, and fear of the future.

Now, I am grateful for my past because I truly believe that it has led me to the beautiful life that I have today.

Following Jesus has saved me through the opportunities He grants for me to live out His will by sharing the struggles of my past with others and offering them hope for their future, in the same way my Dad did for me. I was once told, “you can only keep what you have, by giving it away.” I know that I can only keep my sobriety by sharing my testimony with others. I believe the same is true when it comes to strengthening our faith. My faith is strengthened when I hear your stories, your hardships and how you got through it by trusting in God. Following Jesus has saved me from running away when things get tough, and instead to lean on Him for direction.

I have been sober for six years now. I currently see God remaking and shaping me through challenging my faith.

I can look back with clarity and see moments in my life, when I was in fear and was reminded to give this to God. Gosh, this is easier said than done. Sometimes it’s really, really hard. Currently, I am having to remember to turn a specific area of my life over to God. My husband has recently been approached about a potential job opportunity. While this opportunity could be incredible, I find myself living in fear because if it does happen, it would involve us leaving Louisiana. Change? I’m not good with change. I love my life here. I love my relationships and my home and my job and my routine. The second I get to thinking like this…I am challenged, by God…to remember to TRUST Him. Give this fear of the unknown, of what’s going to happen to Him. And the second I can remember to do that, suddenly, there is a rush of peace... that no matter what, it’s going to be OK. And you know what? When I remember to do this, when I remember to trust in Him, I suddenly realize His plan for me is always better than anything I could have ever planned for myself.

HOME FOR THE NEXT SIX DAYS

BY AMY MCCRAE (Continued from page 11) One night some family friends of ours brought ice cream as a treat for our team. We loved visiting with them and introducing them to our church family. One of the women, Ms. Linda Cox, stayed for worship that night. During worship, Kale asked people to share a grateful moment from the day and Ms. Linda raised her hand. She stood up and said that Marianna had always been a wonderful place to live, but after the hurricane people doubted if it ever would be again. She smiled and told us that we had made Marianna even better than it was before. At that moment, I knew our youth had done what they came to do. The good news of Jesus was evident in their actions and love for their neighbors in Marianna.

Each night we enjoyed the youth leading us with music and singing and wonderful personal testimonies. The songs and words they shared really resonated with my soul. I loved when one of our students, Abby, said in her sermon, “we’ve truly been living our best life here in Marianna.” I’ve thought about her words over and over. We are called to “live our best life” every day. We are called by Jesus to take the good news to a hurting world and, in turn, change some lives for the better.

Our family was so blessed by this opportunity. We made memories that will always be close to our hearts. Our children made new friends and appreciated the hard work of their peers in their dad’s hometown. We are beyond thankful for the whole experience. The love and service our youth group demonstrated was truly living out “our best life.” When I think of Jesus’ words in Matthew 19:14, I feel like it could also say, “Let the little children and teenagers come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Thanks be to God!

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The sanctuary renovation is progressing on schedule. Currently, the new chancel elevation is being framed and scaffolding is erected to the ceiling. The Building and Grounds Committee has decided to install a sprinkler system in the entire 1926 sanctuary building (lower level, sanctuary, administrative offices, and classrooms) as part of the renovation. Installation at this time makes financial sense while scaffolding is in place in the sanctuary and the general contractor is on site.

More information regarding significant accessibility improvements will be shared in the coming weeks (see page 3). This will provide an opportunity for additional gifts. Visit the Generations display board in the Conference Center to see detailed renderings along with additional information. For upto-date photos and videos of the renovation, visit the church’s web site at www.firstmethodist.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

New Entry and Elevator

The sanctuary’s new organ, being built by Casavant of Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, is nearly finished. The instrument is currently being assembled in the erecting room at Casavant and will be fully functional the first week of November. The organ will be disassembled the second week of November and will arrive at our church the third week of January. Casavant, one of the most celebrated organ builders in the world, has instruments on all six inhabited continents, ranging from small portable organs of only a few stops to large cathedral and concert hall instruments.

Canopy on T.J. Jemison

Voicing one of the 3,351 pipes Fall 2019 | www.firstmethodist.org | 930north

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CONGREGATIONAL NEWS | SHARING OUR CELEBRATIONS & SORROWS Celebrating Our New Members...

Randy & Lisa Russ

Jerry Schreurs

Esperanza Zenon

LEFT: New members who joined at Believe & Belong, an evening of dinner and conversation hosted by FUMC for those who want to know more about following Jesus and how we follow Him in the Methodist tradition.

Join us in welcoming our new members: Colleen Dunstane, Liz and Robert Ezelle (existing members), Biff Ritchie holding baby Presley, and Carrie King (listed, left to right).

New Members whose photos are unavailable...Elvis left the building and took their pictures with him: Melissa Rowe, Hunter Hines, Lindley Hines, Diane Moyer, Gregory Fell, Frances Fell, Maci Mannina, Masen Mannina, MeLisa Stalter and Brewster Stalter.

Celebrating the Birth of...

Raleigh Grant Addison, 3/26/2019, child of Edy & Gibbons Addison Rowan Daniel Chustz, 4/30/19, child of Meredith & Jason Chustz Presley Grace Ritchie, 5/6/19, child of Carrie King & Biff Ritchie William August Schultz, 5/14/19, child of Chynna & Anthony Schultz Graham Scott Jeffries, 6/5/19, child of Aimee & Morgan Jeffries Althea Laughlin Fell, 6/27/19, child of Frances & Gregory Fell Antoinette June Whittington, 6/28/19, child of Courtney & Sean Whittington Murphy McGehee Fuller, 7/17/19, Carley & Hudson Fuller

Celebrating the Baptism of...

Maeve Adele Cadwallader, 3/24/19, child of Melissa & Rust Cadwallader Hayes Nelson Marshall, 3/31/19, child of Whitney & Sean Marshall Jack Brian Buzzell, 3/21/19, child of Kelley & John Ross Buzzell Jack Michael Rhodes, 4/28/19, child of Megan & Ryan Rhodes Elizabeth Mack Graves, 4/28/19, child of Meghan & Tyler Graves Annie Grace Weathers, 5/12/19, Ginny & Will Weathers Emily Katherine Bratton, 5/12/19, Caroline & Daniel Bratton Cecelia Rose DiFalco, 5/19/19, child of Payton & Joe DiFalco Clifton Ayres Miller III, 5/19/19, child of Julie & Clif Miller Walter John Dubuc IV, 6/9/19, child of Christine & Walter Dubuc Eden Marie Ridge, 6/16/19, child of Michelle & Sam Ridge Vivian Josephine Lundgren, 6/30/19, Lauren & Chris Lundren Bennett Taylor Trice, 7/28/19, child of Chelsea & Kevin Trice

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Sympathy to the Families of...

Ina Claire Shirley 3/22/19 Elizabeth T. Mathias 3/31/19 Susan A. Gilbreath 5/1019 Betty N. Singleton 5/19/19 Billie C. Hyde 5/26/19 Roy Powell Davis 6/4/19 Kathleen Roberts Ory, 6/26/19 Ann G. McMains 7/11/19 Judith Anding Howell 7/21/19 Richard N. Burtt 7/23/19 Harrold H. Austin 7/25/19 Martha Ann Madden 7/30/19

F a l l 2019 | C a l e n d a r o f E v e n t s

For more information about connect groups and events visit www.firstmethodist.org or call 383–4777

WEEKLY CALENDAR SUNDAYS 8:30 AM WORSHIP–GYM 9:00 AM CAFÉ 930-CONF. CENTER 9:40 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN’S WORSHIP 9:45 AM WORSHIP–AMERICA ST

WORSHIP–GYM 11:00 AM WORSHIP–GYM 4:30 PM PRAYER MINISTRY 5:00 PM ADULT GROUPS

YOUTH NIGHT

FUSE CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

HEIR FORCE (GRADES 4-6) MONDAYS 10:30 AM PRAYER MINISTRY TUESDAYS 9:00 AM KNITTING & MEN’S COFFEE 10:30 AM WOMEN’S AA GROUP 12:00 PM ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WEDNESDAYS 4:30 PM CARE TEAM 5:00 PM DINNER (BEGINS SEPT 4) 6:00 PM DIVORCE CARE GROUP 6:30 PM ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS 7:00 PM CHANCEL CHOIR

ADULT EVENTS

To register or for more information: www.firstmethodist.org/events A BEAD & A PRAYER WORKSHOP SEPT 29 • 3:00–5:00 PM • FUMC CURSILLO–ENCOUNTER WITH CHRIST OCT 10 • 3:00 PM OCT 13 • 5:00 PM WESLEY CENTER, WOODWORTH, LA SUPPER CLUB LAUNCH EVENT OCT 18 • 6:30–8:00 PM • FUMC Want to make friends? We will be organizing supper clubs where you will be able to do just that.

CHILDREN’S EVENTS FALL FEST OCT 27 • Save the date more details will be available at www. firstunitedmethodistchildren.org

YOUTH EVENTS

To register or for more information: www.firstmethodistyouth.org.

Email Kale Wetekamm, Director of Youth Ministry at kwet@firstmethodist.org.

YOUTH NIGHT SUNDAYS • 5:00-7:00 PM 2ND FLOOR OF YOUTH BUILDING Games, dinner, devotion and tribe time! Dinner is $2/person.

UNITED METHODIST COLLEGE DAY SEPT 29 • 3:00-5:00 PM • FUMC Open and free for high school students and their parents.

ONE NIGHT STAND RETREAT for SEPT 27 & 28 • FUMC • $85 Open to youth, grades 7-9 and their parents. We will discuss our identity in Christ, and theology around human sexuality.

GREAT PUMPKIN HUNT OCTOBER 20 • Time and location TBA. More details will be available at www.firstmethodistyouth.org.

THURSDAYS 9:00 AM THURSDAY LADIES GROUP

MONTHLY LECTIONARY TEXTS

The Lectionary is a 3–year cycle of scripture readings for specific days of the year. Two passages are suggested from both the Old & New Testaments. Thus, over a three-year period the Bible is covered in a systematic & balanced way.

The entire lectionary schedule is available at umcdiscipleship.org/worship/lectionarycalendar.

The sun rises on Easter S Boulevard Town Square as me lead worship.

SEPTEMBER 15 Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28 Psalm 14 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Luke 15:1-10

SEPTEMBER 29 Jeremiah 32:1-3, 6-15 Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 1 Timothy 6:6-19 Luke 16:19-31

OCTOBER 13 Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 Psalm 66:1-12 2 Timothy 2:8-15 Luke 17:11-19

OCTOBER 27 Joel 2:23-32 Psalm 65 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 Luke 18:9-14

SEPTEMBER 22 Jeremiah 8:18-9:1 Psalm 79:1-9 1 Timothy 2:1-7 Luke 16:1-13

OCTOBER 6 Lamentations 1:1-6 Psalm 137 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Luke 17:5-10

OCTOBER 20 Jeremiah 31:27-34 Psalm 119:97-104 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 Luke 18:1-8

NOVEMBER 3 Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 Psalm 149 Ephesians 1:11-23 Luke 6:20-31

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Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

First United Methodist Church 930 North Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Change Service Requested

Baton Rouge, LA Permit No. 63

BRING A FRIEND THIS SUNDAY: WE ARE HERE

Nursery Care is available from 8:00 AM–12:00 PM, Sunday mornings, and 5:00-7:30 PM on Sunday evenings.

8:30 AM

• Worship Service in the gym

9:40 AM

• Sunday School for all ages • Children’s Worship

9:45 AM

• America Street Contemporary Worship Service • Worship Service in the gym

11:00 AM • Worship Service in the gym 5:00 PM

• • • •

Adult Connect Groups/Studies F.U.S.E. Children’s Ministry HEIR Force (grades 4-6) Youth Night

WORSHIP WITH US WHEREVER YOU ARE! TELEVISION BROADCAST:

RADIO BROADCAST:

9:30 AM - WBXH (Cox 16, Digital/Dish 39) 10:30 AM - WAFB Ch 9

5:30 AM - WYNK 101.5 FM 9:45 AM 8:00 AM - THE RIVER 96.1 FM @FUMCAmericaStreetService

FACEBOOK LIVE:

More information available at www.firstmethodist.org

facebook.com/FUMCBR

@FUMCBatonRouge

@FUMCBR