930north August 2013

930nor h A P u b l i c at i o n

of

First United Methodist Church

In this Issue: » Read about our new worship service.............8 » How to be an Inviting Congregation..............10 » Learn about the Big Buddy Program..........16

August 2013

Youth Waterslide Kickball

Sr. High Mission to Oljato, Utah

“Buzz Lightyear” at the Superhero Adventure

Men’s Coffee

Rev. Katie greeting after Worship

Our life ogether Rev. Brad as “Bible Man”

Mission Day Camp learns about the Knitting Ministry.

Fit @ First Exercise Group

a 5th grade Godly Play session

930nor h August 2013

Table of Contents A New Story

by Rev. Brady Whitton................................................4

4

The Meeting Place......................................................5 The Gathering

by Fran Skipper & Kate Brown.................................6 The America Street Service

by Rev. Katie McKay Simpson..................................8

6

An Interview with Roger and Sidney

by Becky Poor..............................................................10 TAG Visioning Update...........................................12 Calendar of Events...................................................13

10

H.I.G.H. 5......................................................................14 First Impressions

by William Taylor........................................................15

16

My Little Buddy

by Denise Akers...........................................................16 Congregational News............................................18

930nor h

A P u b l i c at i o n o f First United Methodist Church 9 3 0 N o rt h B lv 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

“storied beings” whose hearts and minds are fueled not by facts or formulas but by story. Stories are why we love books, television, and movies. Human history itself is a story. Story is what helps us make sense out of life, the universe, and everything.

Story is the way to the human heart.

Editor/Graphic Designer Director of Communication Emily Phillips Photographers Michelle Ducharme Todd Rossnagel Karen Spencer Dr. William Weldon 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, contact Emily Phillips, at emily@firstmethodist. org or 383-4777 ext. 255.

For more information about First United Methodist Church, visit our website, www.firstmethodist.org.

About the Cover Rev. Brady Whitton greeting after the 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary service. photo credit / Michelle Ducharme

Brothers & Sisters in Christ, Welcome to the inaugural edition of First United Methodist’s new magazine, 930north. As with a traditional newsletter, you will find dates, facts, and other helpful information about things going on in our church. Most importantly, however, 930north will feature the stories of First United Methodist Church – stories of how people’s lives are being touched and changed by the many expressions of God’s Spirit who lives in and through this community of faith.

The next time you have the opportunity, listen to two people talking over a cup of coffee. I’m not asking you to be overly nosy, but to give just enough attention to hear the form of the conversation. What you’ll most likely hear are stories - stories of self, of relationships, of events happening in the community, nation, and world.

Some suggest story-telling is what is distinctive about human beings: that we are

It is no mistake, then, that when God reveals himself to humanity it is through a story; the story of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the people called Israelites. It is no mistake that the good news of Jesus Christ, his life, death, and resurrection, comes to us as a story, some say “the greatest story ever told.” It is no mistake that when Jesus taught he did so primarily in story.

My prayer is that God will touch you through the stories of our church and that through them your heart will be moved and your interest piqued. I pray you will be drawn to send an email asking for more information, that you’ll sign up for a class, or decide to support a mission. My prayer is that these stories will move you to step more deeply into this Spirit-filled community, and that by doing so you will be able to add a God-story or two of your own to the story that is First United Methodist Church.

In Christ’s Love,

Rev. Brady Whitton, Senior Pastor

The Meeting Place

Meet Chris Rosborough.

Christopher Rosborough completed his M.M. in vocal performance from Mercer University where he was awarded a fellowship to the Townsend School of Music. His undergraduate studies took place at Howard Payne University, where he received a B.M. in vocal performance, as well as a B.M.E. in choral music. Chris served three years as Minister of Music and Arts at the Milledgeville First United Methodist Church, and taught as adjunct professor of voice at Georgia College and State University. Chris has recently moved to Baton Rouge in order to pursue a D.M.A. in choral conducting from LSU. He is married to Danielle Rosborough, the love of his life and his biggest supporter.

Chris began his work at FUMC on June 1.

role at FUMC: favorite food: favorite movie: favorite TV character: What chore do you absolutely hate doing?

early bird

OR

night owl

tea

OR

coffee

dogs

OR

cats

chocolate

OR

vanilla

What do you look forward to most about working at First Methodist?

Chris’ dogs Finzi & Issa

August 2013 | 930 North Magazine

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your Wednesday connection

Parents and their children enjoying activities at The Gathering. photo credit / Todd Rossnagel

Why the Brown Family loves The Gathering: Our family’s visit to the Sweet Dreams shelter was a once in-alifetime experience. We had been longing for something meaningful that all of us could participate in and that would have an impact, yet change us in the process. The kids needed some community service hours to fulfill their yearly requirement, yet we didn’t want to just fill the hours, but we yearned for something that would light a fire within our family and be the beginning of something bigger.

God heard, and Rebecca [Mitchell] informed me of this opportunity. We planned what meal my kids liked the best and what dessert would be the biggest hit, and while I cooked for my own family, I cooked for these families we were about to meet. We were all a little nervous and felt “awkward,” as my kids like to say, as we approached the shelter, but once we stepped foot in the door, we were greeted by the most grateful and appreciative group of people I could have imagined.

We shared a family-style meal, played with children, held babies (I sort of cornered that, and had a hard time sharing the precious one-month-old that just loved being talked to), and visited with

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“The Gathering” is a weekly multigenerational experience on Wednesdays filled with dinner, fellowship, worship, and learning opportunities. Dinner is served from 5:00-5:45 p.m. Worship is from 5:45-6:15 p.m. Classes for adults and children follow from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to any portion of the evening. Come empty... leave changed. all of these dynamic women who found a family at Sweet Dreams.

They seemed secure, happy, and part of their own community.

What an amazing place. Yet, as I looked around, I thought it reminded me of when our daughter was in the hospital and how closed-in I felt…how removed from the world it seemed to be.

One room can really cave in.

As fabulous as this shelter is, I couldn’t help but think about ways we could pitch in to make it better. How little we gave that night and how easy it would be to give more…whether it is my time or money or talent, we all have more [to give].

As we left, I was so thankful for the wonderful people who started Sweet Dreams, who make it run every day, who took the initative to make this idea a reality, and yet I am still praying about what this means for our family and how others like us who, just are being blessed by a special group, can add to the garden and make more flowers bloom. We all are called by our own unique gifts and can all make a difference. one act at a time.

-Kate Brown

“We can worship God on more than just Sunday, and I hope our children can take that away from this experience as well.”

Pictured: Fran, Phillip, Lucy, and Reynolds Skipper

What The Gathering means to the Skippers: My family has been regularly attending “The Gathering” since it began in the fall. It has been a great time for us to fellowship with others. We look forward to our weekly dinners with other members of FUMC who we may not have known before. My husband, Phillip, and I sit and enjoy a meal with new faces and families.

What has warmed my heart the most is to hear my four year old wake up and ask if it is a “church day.” It is part of her routine and she is sad when we miss it. She is genuinely excited to see her friends at dinner, sit with them at worship and participate in the children’s program. Phillip and I love to

watch her enjoy worship and participate in communion. It is truly a wonderful thing to watch.

One of my favorite memories is from the Easter season this year when the children and families participated in a program called The Easter Garden. The children learned about Jesus’ journey to the cross through stories and hands- on activities. Each Wednesday they added to their garden and by the end it was a beautiful symbol of the journey to the cross. My daughter loved this! She looked forward to it each week. It can sometimes be hard to get your family downtown in the middle of the week,

but when this little four-year-old started making her own Easter Garden at home, on her own, I knew it was absolutely worth it. She gets it. She gets the importance of the story and the importance of our family experiencing these things together.

Being able to go to church with our family on another day, besides Sunday, is great.

“The Gathering” is something we all look forward to. We can worship God on more than just Sunday, and I hope our children can take that away from this experience as well.

-Fran Skipper

Gathering Classes for August 14-September 11 The Bible for Every Day Join Rev. Whitton each week as we explore a different biblical passage or theme and what it has to say about our lives, our relationships, and our God. Adult Building Room 115.

Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life Having clear boundaries is essential to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Often, Christians focus so much on being loving and unselfish that they forget their own limits and limitations. Led by Logan McIlwain, LCSW. Adult Building Room 113.

Past and Future: The United Methodist Church If you’re new to The United Methodist Church, or need a refresher course, this is the class for you! Come and learn in a discussion-based format about the history of how our denomination came to be, our beliefs, and practices. Led by Rev. Katie McKay Simpson. Adult Building Room 106.

Fit & Fun! Discover the importance of nutrition and fitness in your life. Join us for 5 weeks of activities involving healthy eating and exercise. Led by Paula Mercer and Sandra King.

Adult Building Room 117.

August 2013 | 930 North Magazine

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OUR NEW WORSHIP OPPORTUNITY AT FIRST METHODIST In three centuries, First United Methodist Church has responded to the needs of the Baton Rouge community. When the Youth Building and Conference Center were consecrated in August of 2011, no one knew exactly how God would lead the congregation of First United Methodist Church to use this space. Over these two years, our sanctuary continues to be full for worship on Sunday mornings, and over 80 visitors walk through our doors almost every week. So, we were faced with an exciting opportunity once again: creating new places for new faces, and the America Street Service was born.

There is a team of leaders who are continuing in the tradi-

photo credit / Todd Rossnagel

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930 North Magazine | August 2013

tion of the passionate circuit riders and early missionaries who built this church so long ago. This team is made up of almost 50 people that have committed to be “missionaries” to this ministry of our church for the first six months of its life. Of these 50, there are some that are presently members of First United Methodist, but others that are coming to the church for the first time. In late June, this Launch Team gathered for a training retreat, covering skills in audio-visual skills, altar design, welcoming and children’s ministry. They also used the time for evangelism training and prayer for those that will come as a result of intentional outreach. Of that group, there is also the Planning Team, a body of four people that will guide the planning of worship from week to week—Warren Kimball, worship leader; Bethanie Tinker, worship assistant; Amy Book, Media Director; and Rev. Katie McKay Simpson, preaching pastor.

Kimball, a native of Baker and PhD student in Music History at LSU, came to us as a known commodity in the FUMC Youth Ministry. For the last year, he has been leading our youth and recruiting new young people to worship God through leading others in music, most notably at the Sunrise Service at the Towne Square on North Boulevard this past Easter. Kimball, his wife Heather, and his daughter, Madison were looking for a place to worship and serve in the Baton Rouge area, and in coming on staff, found many kindred spirits. Kimball said of his experience, “The most exciting thing about being a part of this effort is seeing a healthy church

that is evolving to meet the needs of its congregation and the community and is willing to fully invest in that opportunity.

It is also exciting to be able “The most exciting thing to build this service from about being a part of this the ground up and to see where the spirit takes us.” effort is seeing a healthy Bethanie Tinker, church that is evolving presently a junior at LSU, to meet the needs of its comes to FUMC from livcongregation and the ing coast to coast--starting with California, to Louisi- community and is willing ana, to Pennsylvania, and to fully invest in that back to Louisiana. Tinker opportunity.” brings with her a wealth of experience in leading -Warren Kimball, vibrant worship. She was worship leader formed in her faith at St. Timothy UMC in Mandeville, where she served as an active leader in the youth group and led worship for her peers in the praise band. She now leads worship for the Wesley Foundation on LSU’s campus.

Tinker said, “I have been yearning to get plugged in with a Methodist church and praise band in Baton Rouge for quite some time. I knew that First United Methodist Church was the perfect fit for me when I met everyone involved with the launch of this new contemporary service… The excitement

and anticipation for this service is building, and I believe that there is something amazing stirring by the power of God in everyone involved.”

Amy Book comes back to us after leaving her Media Director position here at First United Methodist only ten months ago to stay home with her now ten-month-old son, Logan. She wanted to become more involved in the life of the church again, and though she loved the opportunity to care for her son and family, increasingly she lacked a creative outlet. As Book tells the story, she prayed about this struggle for weeks, and then got a call with this opportunity to serve.

Book said, “I see God working to gather this team together with the laity of our church, inspiring us all to change lives in our community.”

The America Street Service will begin in our Conference Center on Sunday, August 18th, with a Preview Service on August 11th in the evening open to members of our congregation who are curious to experience what this worship experience will be like. This service promises to be a leader in the Baton Rouge area on the frontier of using social media, technology, and creating unique expressions of the Gospel through our church’s audio/visual resources.

YOU'RE INVITED. . .

Launch Date: August 18 at 11:00 a.m.

Location: Conference Center Curious? Come to a Preview Service on Sunday, August 11 at 6:00 p.m. in the Conference Center.

August 2013 | 930 North Magazine

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“I have never felt such a sense of community as I do at First Methodist�

Pictured: Roger Samaha, Katie, Lex, and Arthur Barras, and Sidney Montegudo photo credit/ Karen Spencer

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930 North Magazine | August 2013

An Interview with Roger & Sidney

by Becky Poor

Roger Samaha and Sidney Montegudo I sat down with two very special people recently who impressed me with their inviting and welcoming spirit – Roger Samaha and Sidney Montegudo. I had to know more about their method of invitation!

Becky: What brought you to First Methodist?

Sidney: I was raised Methodist. I am a Methodist Minister and served the church for 30+ years. I have been in numerous churches in my ministry, but have never felt so welcomed and appreciated, so accepted for who I am...as I have at First Methodist in Baton Rouge… I have never felt such a sense of community as I do at First Methodist.

B: Sidney, you used a key word there – community. We try to be that for one another and Baton Rouge. This is the community that you both have found at First Methodist. Roger, what about you? How has First Methodist changed you?

Roger: Being a Christian, a Catholic all my life, I was used to a lot of “pomp and circumstance.” I went to church, did my thing, drifted off during the sermon, and left. Sidney was here and he kept telling me, “[First Methodist] is where you need to be, because this is what you are looking for.” I started coming to church with him, and after a year and a half, I decided to join on Christmas Eve. I love this church so much, so I just talk about it.

S: When we go to CC’s or Starbucks, we just strike up a conversation, and it leads into church.

B: Love it!

R: When people tell us that they still haven’t found a church, I always say “You need to come with us, or go to service [with us].

I promise if you do, you will love it, because of the people, the pastors, and the congregation.”

B: What you have just done is not only offer the invitation to come, but you said “Come with us.” That gives people more incentive to come to church.

S: We tell them where we sit, we tell them we will save them a place, and on Sunday morning we send them a text letting them know we are saving them a place.

R: When it comes to talking about this church, I feel very happy

and very grateful that after all of these years, I finally found something in my life that I look forward to. Every Saturday night I say, “Tomorrow we are going to church!” I never did that before – going to church always felt like an obligation. Now, I can’t wait to get up, I can’t wait to get dressed, the people are nice, and I love the Gathering [Our Wednesday night dinner, worship, fellowship and class time from 5:00-7:30.] I think that [The Gathering] is one of the greatest things this church has done.

B: You guys even invite people to come with you or meet you on Wednesday nights.

R: One of our friends that we brought to the last Gathering said she can’t wait to come in the fall!

B: The unchurched is the largest growing population, so we know there is plenty of opportunity to invite people to church. Rev. Brady reminds us that we need to be an “inviting congregation.” If you could offer one piece of advice to someone who is uncomfortable inviting someone to church, what would that be?

R:...I just tell people how I feel, what the church does for me, and how I enjoy coming to church. It is not a chore for me.

It is a pleasure that I look forward to every Sunday and every Wednesday.

S: And how do you feel when you invite people to your house?

You love inviting people to your house for a party. We say we are having a great party on Sunday where you can come and meet new people.

R: I love meeting people! I am bad with names, but I am getting better. I love people acknowledging me, and calling me by name. Hey Roger, How are you doing? That is better than giving me money!

B: There is something special about being called by name.

Thank you for sitting down with me today and sharing your thoughts on Inviting.

R: I love this church with my whole heart. I can’t tell you what it has done for me, since he [Sidney] told me this is where you need to be.

S: It’s true. Roger has been transformed.

R: When you love something, how can you help not tell somebody?

Recently, Roger and Sidney invited a young couple, Arthur and Katie Barras, to come to worship with them on Sunday morning. Katie expressed that they couldn’t find a church that they were satisfied with. Naturally, the invitation was offered, and the Barras family came to visit First United Methodist. They came a few times, came to a Newcomer’s Coffee, and quickly made up their minds to join.

They joined on Pentecost Sunday! Their baby Lex was baptized on June 16, 2013 in our Sanctuary.

August 2013 | 930 North Magazine

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An Update on our TAG Visioning Process

by Rev. Brady Whitton

Since May 2013, First United Methodist has been working with TAG Consulting (http://www.tagconsulting.org) to help us develop a more focused vision of our future together. We’ve completed the assessment portion of the process, which included: taking the Transforming Church Index (TCI), gathering statistical and demographic information, and holding numerous Focus Groups comprised of church members of different age and life stages. As part of this process members of our staff participated in an “Engaging Talents” retreat led by the Rev. Tod Bolsinger where we utilized the Clifton Strengthfinder (http://strengths.gallup.com/110440/About-StrengthsFinder-20.aspx) to explore how to work within our areas of strength both as individuals and as a team.

Here are some comments from the consultants about our staff’s strengths: “First United Methodist of Baton Rouge is blessed to have an experienced, dedicated, smart, capable and fun team of people who enjoy each other,interact candidly and are eager to learn for the sake of the mission of the church. This is an experienced team that combines people with many years of tenure and the excitement of new senior leadership. Their CoreClarity Team profile is Optimizer. Like poetry in motion, teams with this profile jump into the middle of a situation and immediately try bring out the best in others by serving people and executing plans. They are service-oriented and very passionate about their work – and a lot of fun to be around! With a signature theme of “Empathy” the congregation does not have to worry about the staff ‘running roughshod’ over the congregation. While they are ‘Achievers’ who want to get things done,they are intuitive, caring, sensitive and encouraging. They also are natural coaches who will see the small gains of the transformation process and celebrate them gladly!”

What’s next?

Phase 3 is the Visioning phase. There will be a Church Council meeting August 24th where the results of the TCI and the focus groups will be presented. Then there will be two visioning retreats October 5th-6th and December 14th -15th with staff and Church Council members. These highly interactive weekends will help us discern where we feel God is calling us into the future. Finally at a Church Council meeting in January, the TAG consultant will review the work completed thus far and include a recommended strategic plan with steps for implementation.

First United Methodist Church has been a vital witness for Christ in the Baton Rouge community for nearly two centuries. Please keep the church’s leadership and this visioning process in your prayers as we strive to continue to be a force for God’s Kingdom in the coming century.

The top five strengths of the program staff at FUMC

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930 North Magazine | August 2013

Calendar of Events August

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

Sunday, August 4 9:40 AM NOON

Newcomer’s Coffee Church Readiness Reception 4:00 PM Covenant Group Summit (Anyone in a covenant group or anyone interested in joining is invited to attend) 6:00 PM Prayer Ministry

Monday, August 5 9:45 AM

Prayer Ministry

Tuesday, August 6 9:00 AM

Fit @ First Men’s Coffee Knitting 11:00 AM Baby Bouncers Play Group 11:45 AM Centering Prayer

Wednesday, August 7 4:00 PM 5:30 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM

Care Team Singles Book Group Books of Life Relationship Loss Chancel Choir

Thursday, August 8 9:00 AM 9:30 AM

Thursday Group Disciple III

Sunday, August 11

Promotion Sunday 11:00 AM Kindergarten Readiness 5:00 PM The Big Event 6:00 PM New Service Preview

Monday, August 12 9:45 AM 6:00 PM

Prayer Ministry Church Council

Wednesday, August 14

10:30 AM Senior Adult Program 5:00 PM The Gathering Dinner, Worship and Classes resume

Saturday, August 17

The Vine Singles Canoe Trip

Sunday, August 18

11:00 AM America Street Service Launch 6:30 PM Sunday Evening Worship resumes

Wednesday, August 21 NOON 5:00 PM

Children’s Council The Gathering

Friday, August 23

Men’s Spiritual Life Retreat

Saturday, August 24

UMW Spiritual Growth Seminar

Wednesday, August 28

11:00 AM Senior Adult Lunch Outing @ Galatoire’s 5:00 PM The Gathering

Saturday, August 31

The Vine Singles LSU Tailgate

Books of Life Books of Life will meet on Wednesday, August 7th at 6:30 p.m. in the McKenzie library. Mae Belton will facilitate.

The book for August is Black Mass: The Irish Mob, the FBI, and a Devils’ Deal

by Dick Lehr & Gerard O’Neill About the book: John Connolly and James “Whitey” Bulger grew up together on the tough streets of South Boston. Decades later in the mid1970s, they met again. By then, Connolly was a major figure in the FBI’s Boston office and Whitey had become godfather of the Irish Mob. Connolly had an idea, a scheme that might bring Bugler into the FBI fold and John Connolly into the Bureau’s big leagues. But Bulger had other plans. ‘Black Mass’ is the chilling true story of what happened between them—a dark deal that spiraled out of control, leading to drug dealing, racketeering, and murder.

Future Selections: September 4th TBA October 2nd The Dalai Lama’s Secret and Other Reporting Adventures by Henry S. Bradsher (author will attend)

August 2013 | 930 North Magazine

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H.I.G.H. 5 holy in God’s house

H.I.G.H. 5 offers children an opportunity to become devoted followers of Christ by learning the joy of praising God through singing, fellowship with friends, and worship. H.I.G.H. 5 will begin Sunday, August 18 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Registration is available at www.firstmethodist.org.

Elizabeth Williams

Blake Rossnagel

Will McRae

“I like to make beautiful singing for God.”

“I get to see my friends, do fun stuff with my teachers like play games and other fun things. They are really fun. I also like singing the songs. It’s just fun!”

“I love when the audience claps and some even stand up.

That’s cool! I also love my teacher, Miss Ann. She’s the best.”

“You get to learn new songs and meet new friends.

Everyone always likes the songs we sing. I like how our choir sounds so good and how we’re not afraid to sing in front of the whole church. Sometimes we even get cookies!”

David Whitehead

Riley Golightly

Connor Schilling

Julia Serpas

“I like that we play games there. My favorite game is when we all get to play one instrument. I like to play the triangle.”

“I love singing songs with my friends, playing the games, and my nice choir teacher.”

“I like to stand with my friends in front of everyone and sing.”

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William Spencer

“I like singing in front of the church.

Also, I like learning new songs.”

photo credit/ Todd Rossnagel 930 North Magazine | August 2013

F RST

MPRESS ONS

By William Taylor

When we were dating, Katie and I were active in Connections– a Sunday school class that historically served single adults.

After becoming newlyweds, we felt it was time to move to a new class.

A book study at the Center for Spiritual Formation provided a convenient transition while familiarizing us with that ministry and those involved there.

William and Katie Taylor Next would come our class search. When we first came to First Methodist, Katie and I had yet to meet, but found our first Sunday school class the same way: through a friend. I knew Danny Weathers led a class. Katie was invited to it by coworker Erin Murray Anding.

For this class search we would rely on the descriptions in the Sunday school profiles list. We passed on the more traditionally newlywed classes, because Katie thought we should find one with members closer to my age. And besides, one of those young married classes met in a room without a white board – a problem because my former-teacher wife is allergic to chalk.

OF THE CLASSES WE VISITED:

• One seemed too large, and we felt invisible there while class members talked with one another.

• Another we enjoyed, but it was new and small, and we felt we would benefit from an established class with many marriage role models.

• No class was clearly “just right,” but we felt welcomed by Keystone and saw that members could share honestly about their beliefs and struggles. God led us to commit for at least a year. Belonging, we knew, would require faithfulness on our part.

Two years later we still attend Keystone’s classes and activities regularly and are enjoying new friendships, while continuing to invest and deepen friendships established in our previous class.

We feel more connected to First Methodist Church than ever - and we’re not disappointed about that.

LOOKING FOR A SUNDAY MORNING GROUP? The Apprentice: The Good and Beautiful God: Sept. 22Nov. 10 Led by Rev. Brady Whitton & Cherri Johnson. Room 117, Adult Building

Experiencing Prayer: Sept.

15- Oct. 20th This six-week Sunday morning offering focuses on the contemplative aspects of prayer such as praying with scripture (lectio divina), silence and meditation. Each class stands alone. Join any time. Facilitated by Bob Leitner. Meets in The Center for Spiritual Formation.

Sunday Morning Formation Group As the foundation for group discussions, participants read books by many authors including Macrina Wiederkehr, Henry Nouwen, Joyce Rupp, Richard Rohr and others. Studies generally last 6-10 weeks and group size varies according to each study.

Meets in The Center for Spiritual Formation.

For more information on Sunday morning groups, contact Cherri Johnson, Director of Adult Spiritual Formation & Education. at 383-4777 ext.

249, or cherri@firstmethodist.org.

August 2013 | 930 North Magazine

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My little buddy BY: DENISE aKERS and homes). I have learned a lot from my Little Buddy. I hope by staying involved in her life that I can help her reach her potential.

Denise Akers and her Little Buddy

I received my Little Buddy in July of 2011. She has touched me so much. She has changed schools three times since 2011, and starts a fourth school next school year.

She is lucky to have two parents who love her very much, but they do not live with each other, so her life is sometimes chaotic. I believe she looks forward to my regular times to pick her up from school and work on school work and play games. She laughs so much it is infectious. I have learned a lot about her culture, broken through a lot of my former stereotypes, and really fallen in love with this little girl.

I hope to stay involved in her life for a long time. I can see how important it is for children to have a steady, constant adult in their lives who brings a different, calmer per-

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spective on life, and is able consistently to help with homework. I used to bring her to church with me when she lived in the Gardere area near me. Now she recently moved to the far north Scotlandville area. My activities with her have broken down many misperceptions I have had about East Baton Rouge schools (she has had some wonderful teachers with very creative homework, and she is very bright…..just needs some consistent help encouraging her in getting her work done and being proud about accomplishing goals) and about the Scotlandville area (she lives in Section 8 housing that is beautifully kept with trees, sandwiched between three different churches, along a street lined with clean, well-kept yards

The Big Buddy program has gotten to be a passion of mine. It is very well-run with a great group of counselors. If you volunteer, they put you through a class to learn about being a mentor/Big Buddy, then they match your personality with a child who has been approved to be a Little Buddy. You also have to commit to be a Big Buddy to your Little Buddy for at least one year. The Big Buddy program plans events each month and will pick up your Little Buddy and bring him/her.

You have to meet in a group setting with your Little Buddy for at least three months of sponsored events.

Then you have to go with the counselor to the Little Buddy’s house, meet with the parents, and sign contracts to allow you to take your Little Buddy on outings alone. You may continue to go to the sponsored events by Big Buddy, but you also can do activities on your own.

A Big Buddy also commits to spend at least 6 hours/month with the Little Buddy. I generally see my Little Buddy every week after school for about three hours, but a Big Buddy doesn’t have to do that much.

Would you like to be involved in other missions at FUMC? Contact Clay Smilie, clay@firstmethodist.org

930 North Magazine | August 2013

WAYS YOU CAn GET INVOLVED: 1.

Be a mentor. The single most effective way to impact a child’s life is through a meaningful relationship that builds self-esteem and supports their overall growth and development.

6 month commitment. 4 hours/mo.

2.

Event volunteering. Throughout the year, Big Buddy hosts a number of events that help with fundraising or showcase our kids’ talents.Volunteers are important in making these events a success.

1-2 hrs/wk for the duration of the event.

3.

Program volunteering. What better way to see first-hand how our programs impact our youth?

You can be a part of that impact by contributing your time and skills at one of our programs.

1-2 hrs/wk for the duration of the program. Program opportunities include tutoring, art, music, dance, culinary arts, character-building, and much more.

4.

Service Learning. High school and college students have the opportunity to volunteer their time at the Big Buddy office or at one of our sites.

Commitment requirement as required by school or organization.

5.

dONATE. Make a one-time or reoccuring donation on Big Buddy’s website: www.bigbuddyprogram.net.

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Congregational News Celebrating the Birth of...

Receiving the Sacrament of Baptism....

Mia Katherine Martin, granchild of Kay Martin Shelby Ann Burr, daughter of Jill and Brandon Burr Charles Marcus Davis, granchild of Debra & Bill Davis Regan Dawn Shugart, daughter of Heather & Andy Shugart, granchild of Jim & Denise Akers, great-grandchild of Doris Akers, and Syd & Gail Nelson Madison Katheryn, daughter of Candace & Brook Eldridge

June 16, 2013 Alexander Willem, son of Katie & Arthur Barras Barrett Byrd and Hudson Lee, sons of Gwen & Benson Henry June 23, 2013 Sage Kelli, daughter of Kristen Stewart & Matthew Devillier Anna-Pierce Katherine, daughter of Katherine & Gary Smith June 30, 2013 Levi James, son of Laura & Jared Soileau July 14, 2013 Adler Haywood, daughter of Alden & Will Magee Charlotte Anne, daughter of Kathryn & Gabriel Smith July 21, 2013 Tristan Shields, son of Sarah & Brad Davis Rachel Grace, daughter of Angelina & Reid Williams July 28, 2013 Owen William, son of Amanda & Jason Wells

In Sympathy to the Families of...

Nita Bonnecaze Inez Shaw and family, mother of Dan Shaw and Sue Skillman, sister of Kathleen Ory Dr. Frank McMains, husband of Ann McMains, father of Chuck & Ty McMains

Celebrating the Marriage of...

Melannie Barkley & Danny Kyle, June 8, 2013 Lynley Blanchard & Josh Rhodes, July 20, 2013

Betty Carpenter LaElla Lucas, wife of John Lucas Trey McDowell, son of Susan and James McDowell, brother of Jill Smith Matthew D. Batts, father of Denise Claflin

Welcome New Members!

Brook & Candace Eldridge

Karri Oakes

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Spence Dilworth

Devon Bardin

930 North Magazine | August 2013

Tamara Brabham

Kyle McDowell & Jade Johnson

Lauren Tyler (pictured with Thomas Tyler)

Not Pictured: Alan, Cheryl, Marianne, and Austin Smith

Congregational News Sunday, June 23

Sunday, June 30

Worship Sunday School Total

Worship Sunday School Total

833 560 1,393

837 554 1,391

Sunday, July 14

Sunday, July 7 Worship Sunday School Total

754 521 1,275

Worship Sunday School Total

894 592 1,486

Stewardship Why do we give money to others?

Whether it is an organization doing cancer research (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society), helping people we have never met who have experienced a natural disaster (Red Cross) or even a personal friend who is in a time of need, few people will part with their money unless they believe in who or what they are giving to.

First Methodist seeks out ways to impact people and our community. Whether it is our weekly worship services, providing a meeting place, giving money directly to organizations that Brent Graham improve our community or providing a program Chair of Finance at to help others on their personal faith journey, First United Methodist First Methodist is intentional about offering many Church, Baton Rouge ways to reach out to members and non-members.

You may never know the direct impact one of our ministries makes on someone’s life, but if you believe in our church, you will feel compelled to support our undertakings.

For the period ending June 30, I am pleased to report we are slightly ahead of our budget on the income side and are well under budget on the expense side. See below for specific numbers.

As of 6/30/2013 Actual

Income $1,640,774 Expense $1,967,837 Net Income -$327,063

Budget $1,616,900 $2,098,467 -$481,567

Variance $23,874 $130,630 $154,504

Whether you can give $100 or $100,000, the actual amount is not of significance to God. The intentional act of each gift and giving with a purpose is of most importance. If you’re not currently giving, I challenge you to start by making a commitment. Give something faithfully and regularly. For those already giving, re-evaluate your level of commitment. If a tenth of your income seems too overwhelming, start with a smaller amount and make it a goal to eventually reach the full tithe. I’m certain God will honor and bless your dedication. Giving may feel like a huge sacrifice at first, but I’m confident you’ll eventually discover its rewards.

Online Giving To give online via checking/savings account or credit/debit card,visit the “Give” page of our website www.firstmethodist. org. You can set up a reoccuring donation or make a one-time donation.

August 2013 | 930 North 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

930nor h

J oin

us for

W orship !

Sundays

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

Wednesdays

12:10 p.m. Aldrich Chapel Worship & Holy Communion 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

visit

www.FirstMethodist.org

for more information

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