THE VISION: MEMBER ENGAGEMENT, EXISTING WORSHIP
A P U B L I C AT I O N O F F I R S T U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H
T R A N S F O R M I N G L I V E S B Y E N G A G I N G O U R M E M B E R S T O C E L E B R AT E & S H A R E G O D ’ S L O V E I N J E S U S C H R I S T www.firstmethodist.org | Spring 2017 | 930north 1
CONTENTS UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
FEATURES A LETTER FROM THE PASTOR.............................5 THIS JOURNEY ALL BEGAN WITH A COMMITMENT Marianne Hebert talks about how one commitment changed her life.........................................................6 PERSONALLY COMMITTED Remembering Adele Williamson, a matriarch, visionary, teacher, volunteer/activist & southern lady..8 EXPLORING THE DEPTHS A mother and daughter describe a small group experience that changed the way they view religion.....................................................................10 FROM THE INSIDE OUT Melissa Savario recounts what happened when she began meeting with a spiritual director....................................................................12 WE ARE THE JESUS Deborah Todd realizes there are more important things than finishing your homework........................13 CONGREGATIONAL NEWS Check-out the latest congregational news and upcoming events.....................................................14
WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE’RE ABOUT: First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge is a worshiping community that seeks to provide a place of belonging for persons to experience the Living God. Here are some of our core values:
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• We offer Jesus Christ to everyone. We offer Christ to people that have questions and doubts, creating a space for thinking people to come to faith. • We are passionate about making a place of hospitality for people already claiming the Christian faith, and nominally/non-religious people seeking to find out more about our faith. • We seek to offer fresh expressions of worship through new, contemporary styles of music. • We are technology-driven. You don’t have to leave your smart phone at the door. Use it to read Scripture, connect with others, and plug-in to the external content we have on our website. • We are inclusive. No matter who you are, you are welcome at First.
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THE VISION: MEMBER ENGAGEMENT, EXISTING WORSHIP
The Great Commandment Sermon Series beginning March 5 PERSONALLY COMMITTED
GOD + SELF + OTHERS matthew 22:36-40
Join us for Sunday worship: 8:30 & 11 AM Sanctuary Services 9:45 AM America St. Service www.firstmethodist.org | Spring 2017 | 930north
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Senior Pastor Rev. Brady Whitton
THE MISSION OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Transforming lives by engaging our members to celebrate and share God’s love in Jesus Christ.
Associate Pastors Rev. Pattye Hewitt Rev. Becky Poor Rev. Fernando Rivera Deacon Rev. Ann Trousdale Editor Amy Book Contributing Writers and Photographers Monica Ford Shannon Ford Marianne Hebert Barbara Jones Melissa Savario Deborah Todd
930north Magazine is published quarterly for the Baton Rouge community and friends of First United Methodist Church by the FUMC Office of Communications.
PICTURED BELOW: Members share the light of Christ on Christmas Eve, during the America St. Worship Service. WHAT IS THE AMERICA ST. SERVICE? America St. is our contemporary service in a more intimate setting. This service features the America Street Band leading songs of praise you may have heard on the radio! The service lasts approximately one hour and meets at 9:45 AM in the America Street Conference Center. Holy Communion is served the first Sunday of every month. WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE AMERICA ST. SERVICE The service is more casual than our Sanctuary Service at 8:30 and 11 AM. You will see folks wearing jeans or khakis, suits and skirts–all in the
HAVE A STORY TO TELL? Email: abook@firstmethodist.org WANT TO KNOW MORE? Contact us at (225) 383-4777 www.firstmethodist.org SEND COMMENTS TO: Amy Book 930 North Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70802 abook@firstmethodist.org SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO: toni@firstmethodist.org
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same room. Come as you are and leave spiritually recharged for the week ahead. Worshipping like you just made a touchdown with your hands in the air, singing along out-of-tune and enthusiastic “Amens” are encouraged but not required. Newcomers are invited to stay after the service for coffee and a casual chat with the pastor! We hope to see you this Sunday at 9:45 AM in the Conference Center!
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A LETTER FROM THE PASTOR
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As a pastor, I regularly find myself talking with people about their commitment to Jesus and his church. Each of these conversations are rich and vibrant, and always take me back to my own journey of faith–when it began, significant experiences along the way and reflection about where I am currently. For me, commitment to Jesus and to the life of a disciple didn’t happen in a flash of light, but rather slowly and gradually over time.
I went, wading in the clear water toward the pastor. Covering my nose and mouth with a white handkerchief, he leaned me backwards, pressing me under the water as he spoke words that would change my life forever: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit’.
However commitment and dedication to Christ, to his church, to the family of God and the work of God’s people is not to be feared. More joy and fulfillment comes to those who have a stake in that which God has a stake. Learning and growing in the knowledge of God’s love for us and for the world brings life! Serving and giving and being generous makes our hearts overflow with gratitude. Worshiping, praying, and demonstrating compassion enlivens our faith and draws us more deeply into God’s redeeming work in the world.
This sacred event would continue to call me into deeper commitment through the years. It would be some 16 years later that I would find myself at the altar rail of St. Bernard United Methodist Church, professing my faith in Christ and taking the vows of membership. This day of personal commitment to a new found faith and A couple of Sundays ago, Growing up in New Orleans, my a beautiful community of people was worshipers were invited to family wasn’t involved in the life of really the beginning of my walk of renew their own baptism and the a church or practiced faith at all. discipleship. commitment (pictured above.) How is The first church experience that I the Lord calling you to commit to Him remember was attending a Vacation What is remarkable to me, even at this point of your faith journey? Bible School with my cousins in to this day, is that I really had no Enrolling in Bible study or joining a Tucson, Arizona, when I was about 8 idea what or who I was saying “yes” small group? Being a regular volunteer years old. The highlight of the week to. I had been searching, seeking with HYPE or Revive225? Releasing was making a wooden duck letter and yearning to meet God and this more of your wealth to the work of holder! man called Jesus. I didn’t know what the church? Teaching the children or the Old & New Testaments of the youth about Jesus’ unmerited love, his About a year later, back in New Bible were. I didn’t understand what perfect grace? Orleans, when I was 9 and my brother it meant to ‘profess faith in Jesus was 11, my grandmother and mother Commitment to God and to his decided we needed to be baptized. So, Christ as Lord and Savior’. While I was unsure and ignorant about many Son Jesus Christ is not a task, not one Sunday morning, Kip and I donned things, God took that little, tiny, seeda job, not just another thing we our bathing suits under our clothes like desire I had for Him and made do. Our commitment flows out of and headed to Gentilly Christian it flower and grow into something being loved wholly and completely Church on the corner of Mirabeau incredibly beautiful and life-giving. by the One who created us. May and Paris Aves. Upon our arrival a lady our commitments be strong and escorted us to a small room where we Too often people are hesitant to unwavering as we continue to journey could remove our outer clothes and commit to many things these days. I this walk of faith. slip on a white robe over our bathing believe it comes from a fear of being suits. We were so excited! This was asked for too much: Too much time, Yours in Christ, going to be fun! Waiting patiently too much energy, too much money ‘behind the scenes’, the time finally Rev. Pattye and too much personal investment. came. Into the large baptismal pool
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THIS JOURNEY ALL BEGAN WITH A COMMITMENT
BY MARIANNE HEBERT
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ive years ago, I enrolled in Disciple I with coteachers Becky Poor (now Rev. Becky!) and Donnie Braud. There were 20-plus people in that class. The group was made up of faithful FUMC members and were people that I never would have met had it not been for Disciple I. I grew up as a Baptist, and my mother was on the church staff as the music director during my childhood and adolescence. Growing up, I participated in Sunday School, youth activities and Bible study. I really thought that I “knew the Bible.” Disciple I helped me to realize that while I may have memorized verses as a child, I didn’t truly understand the meaning of the Bible and how it relates to me as a Christian in today’s world. During that same year, after many prayers by my brother, I had my Emmaus Walk weekend. The experience with Emmaus was lifechanging. Emmaus helped me to focus on living out the means of grace in everyday life, and I began to see myself being pulled closer to God and truly desiring that closeness of relationship through prayer and study. At Emmaus, I connected with so many faithful Christian women of all age groups and all faith backgrounds. My table leader was a person who I immediately connected with and she invited me to become part of an
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Emmaus reunion group. The group still meets every Tuesday. After my Emmaus experience, I felt God moving me to become more involved in FUMC. I found a Sunday School class and began meeting faithful Christians with whom I could connect. I really began to set down roots in the FUMC community. Both of my parents died within 6 months of one another after my Emmaus weekend. The people who came to support me during their illnesses and deaths were church members, particularly my Sunday School members and the members of the Spiritual Formation groups in which I had participated. In 2012-13, while enrolled in Disciple II, I began to feel God’s calling to a more intentional practice of Christian maturity. That year, I was invited to participate in FUMC’s first Academy for Spiritual Leadership which provided seminary training, readings in spiritual formation practices and Christian conferencing with Spiritual Directors and mentors. With this experience, I began to learn terminology and defined spiritual practices which have given me specifics to apply in my prayer life and are shaping me to be the kind of person that God can use in our world today. ABOVE: Marianne reading with her grandson. OPPOSITE PAGE: Marianne & her Academy for Spiritual Leadership Class.
THIS JOURNEY ALL BEGAN WITH A COMMITMENT
another’s gifts in our group and have witnessed each other change, grow, and develop to be the kind of disciples that Christ would have us to be. We have all been amazed at how much more we understand about the Bible and how it is applicable to our lives today. We have learned that the Bible continues to guide and direct our lives as Christians in the secular world in which we live. Eight committed Disciple group members have studied the Word with me in Disciple I, Disciple II, Disciple III, and Disciple IV and we are now studying a new Disciple course called Jesus in the Gospels. Along the way, we have added more people to our core group with each new study. We have prayed for one another‘s concerns and celebrated each other’s joys, as prayers have been answered. This group of people is like my family. We have shared one
As I continued to experience God’s call to small group leadership, I was invited to participate in FUMC’s Garrett Theological Seminary‘s two-year certification in Spiritual Formation. Wow! Me? Seminary? No way! And to think, this journey all began with a commitment to participate in Disciple I.
What is Disciple?
Disciple Bible Study is a program of intensive, disciplined Bible study. Each study group is made up of 1214 participants led by one or two facilitators. Groups meet weekly for 34 weeks. Disciple I, the prerequisite for all other Disciple Bible Studies, covers the entire Bible story, from Genesis to Revelation. Subsequent studies take Disciple graduates deeper into selected portions of Scripture.
What kind of preparation does each class require?
Each weekly lesson has six days of daily note-taking on Bible readings and a commentary that draws upon the work of scholars to aid understanding the Bible. It takes most people 20-30 minutes to complete each daily assignment. Participants are expected to come prepared to share thoughts and insights with their classmates.
What happens during a weekly group meeting?
Each week’s meeting follows a consistent structure consisting of small group and large group discussion, a video, and sharing prayer concerns. During each class, participants engage with the biblical text and seek to apply it to their own lives. The leader of the group is a learner among learners and participates as a group member but facilitates the process.
What is a Disciple group like?
Disciple Bible Study groups develop strong relationships within the group, and over time, members become very comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings with one another. Group meetings maintain confidentiality, which allows trust and accountability among members to flourish. Attendance at each meeting is expected.
It sounds like a really big commitment, why should I take Disciple Bible Study?
Participating in Disciple Bible Study is a big commitment and it pays big dividends. Many graduates describe it as “life-changing”. Most people find that their knowledge and understanding of the Bible increases dramatically, but they also find their lives being transformed by the power of God working through God’s Word and the support, encouragement, and challenge of the group.
Want to join a Disciple study group?
Visit http://firstmethodist.org/ministries/adults/adult-classes/ to view current Disciple studies being offered and to register. More questions about Disciple or other studies? Jamye St. Romain, Director of Adult Education would love to talk with you. E-mail Jamye at jstromain@firstmethodist.org or call 383-4777, ext. 257.
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PERSONALLY COMMITTED
Personally
Committed In honor & memory of a matriarch, visionary, teacher, volunteer/activist & Southern Lady BY BARBARA JONES
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dele Redditt Williamson was a woman ahead of her time and one on the GO. Matriarch, visionary, teacher, Southern lady, and volunteer-activist are but a few attributes of this can-do lady. She served in a variety of roles in her seven decade membership at First Church. She was the first female chair of the Finance Committee, served with the group responsible for the sanctuary renovation/ refurbishing, and was chair of the Council of Ministries, just to name a few. Her imprint here is both tangible and intangible. She had a giving heart and spirit. Always impeccably dressed, she was friendly, gracious, and a classy lady. A lifelong Methodist, Adele was born in Columbia, Louisiana, in 1924, as the youngest of three daughters. Her father owned one of the first insurance agencies in north Louisiana, and her mother was a teacher. Her father died when she was five. Adele grew up in a home with her mother, one aunt, and her sisters. Perhaps growing up surrounded by women contributed to her lifelong self-confidence and moxie. Throughout her lengthy life, she earned and was awarded abundant honors and accolades for her service in her church, the community, and her alma mater. A strong family tradition was “the men in the family go to Tulane, and the women go to Sophie Newcomb.” Adele continued the women’s tradition at Newcomb. She enrolled with a scholarship and played the organ at three churches in the Audubon area to help pay
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her expenses. She made a difference in each endeavor she undertook, both as a leader and a servant. Seemingly, there was very little she thought she could not do herself or with the help of others. Adele’s story cannot be told without including her life’s partner known as “Toy.” Of course, Adele and Toy met at Newcomb/Tulane. They married in Adele’s home church in 1946 and moved to Toy’s hometown of Baton Rouge. Toy joined his father in the family agricultural business and later started his own architectural firm, while Adele taught piano in their home. They had two daughters, Adele Williamson Scielzo of Highlands, North Carolina and Nancy Williamson Cadwallader of Baton Rouge. Their parents heart for service and ministry was passed down to each of them. Toy decided that our church needed a designated place to welcome visitors and offer hospitality before the 11 o’clock service. Thus, “The Biscuit Room” was born. Adele was famous for her biscuits and brownies. Nancy recalls that every Saturday night her dad buttered 8 dozen biscuits while watching TV. On Sunday morning, he baked them in the church kitchen while Adele was teaching her Sunday school children. When visitors and church members entered the Biscuit Room alcove, they were served the baked goods and coffee from a table covered with a white linen table cloth, fresh flowers, and silver trays. This wonderful tradition continues today.
LEFT: Adele serving in the “Biscuit Room” located in the narthex of the church. RIGHT: Adele Reddit Williamson (1924-2016)
LENT: 40 DAYS OF RENEWAL The visual enhancement of the Aldrich Chapel and sanctuary is one of Adele’s notable legacies. Although she could not sew a button on a blouse, as chair of the Epworth Altar Guild, she encouraged women with sewing and needlepoint skills to use their talents in adding to the aesthetics. She was also instrumental in securing the funds to support this ministry. Examples of their needlecraft may be seen in the kneelers at the altar rail, chair cushions, and paraments. When her daughter Adele was four, she began teaching kindergarten Sunday School and continued this commitment for 65 years! She also played the piano and sang with the children. She spoke to them by name when she saw them in various places around the church. Adele’s investment in her many, many children through all her years of teaching and singing with them leaves an exceptional legacy. How do we capture Adele’s spirit and her value in our midst? In borrowing the thoughts of poet Jane Kenyon who pondered the death of a church member of Adele’s stature and contributions, we, too, wonder: “How to calculate, how to quantify the value of a person to a place…How to replace her…Not possible.” And so it is with our Adele. Her spirit of love and service lives on in the lives of others, especially the kindergarten children whose lives she touched, and in our hearts, and memories. Thanks be to God for a life of service well-lived.
You may be wondering what is Lent? Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday (March 1) and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter. Lent comes from the Anglo Saxon word “lencten,” which means “spring.” The forty days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness, enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin his ministry. Lent is a time of self-examination, reflection, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter. In the early church, Lent was a time to prepare new converts for baptism. Today, Christians focus on their relationship with God, often choosing to give up something or to volunteer and give of themselves for others. Journey with us as we explore the reverent spirit of Lent and prepare with joyful anticipation for the Resurrection.
LENT ~40 Days of Renewal~
PRAYING THE CROSS • WEDNESDAYS 3/1-4/5 From 6:30-7:30 PM, in the Aldrich Chapel at FUMC. A 6-week journey down the Via Dolorosa exploring the mystery, history and significance of “The Way of the Cross” in our everyday life.
CENTERING PRAYER • TUESDAYS- BEGINS 3/7 From 11:45 AM-12:30 PM, at the Center for Spiritual Formation at FUMC. Participate in guided contemplative practice. HOLY WEEK MEDITATION • MAUNDY THURSDAY- 4/13 5:00-6:00 PM in the Aldrich Chapel. Private meditation and reflection with chapel staff on Christ’s passion using our own prayer markers. “STATIONS OF THE CROSS” GUIDED WALK
GOOD FRIDAY- 4/14 Begins at 12:15 PM. A guided outdoor group walk of “The Way of the Cross” markers. Begins on the steps in front of the Sanctuary entrance on North Blvd.
TOP: Adele and Rev. Brady serving Communion as a part of the “Kindergarten Church Readiness” Class. BOTTOM: Nancy & Adele with Kindergarten Class attendance award winners.
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EXPLORING THE DEPTHS
EXPLORING THE D E PT H S ou r s m a l l grou p expe r i e n c e BY MONICA & SHANNON FORD
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was not familiar with the author, Richard Rohr and his book, Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps; however, my daughter Shannon was. First Methodist was offering a small group study of this book, so we enrolled. In the book, Richard Rohr talks about the energy of connection, and this same energy existed in our small group. Rohr also says that sensing the connection between people gives us more faith. God grants us grace and guidance in navigating our own ship through prayer, fellowship and sharing with others. Our group discussion helped us to explore these ideas in a way that was relevant to each of our journeys. Rohr writes that we do not need to navigate the river. We are already in it. He writes that we have the option to go upstream or downstream–our choice. This energy of connection created the atmosphere of God’s love, speaking through members of the group with different perspectives and experiences. We learned that we all have some form of addiction, and we cannot make it go away on our own. Rhor writes that human beings are universally addicted to their own way of thinking. He states that there is a natural affinity to assume that others should think the way that I think, or think like “we do.” This is our ego at work. Our small group helped me relate spirituality to the 12-step program. I now see that we are all addicted to something. I understand addiction in a broader way. We are all addicted to something, and we need God’s grace and healing to be truly free.
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I also see religious life differently. I now see it in a more simplistic and meaningful way...a more loving way...a mystical way...a spiritual way–the way leading us to love. Religious life is a journey toward loving, instead of a life governed by orthodoxy and rules. These changes in my way of thinking happened gradually and felt like a rewiring of my brain and my perception. Rhor writes, “Deep communion and compassion is formed much more by shared pain than by shared pleasure.” Spiritual growth happens when we gather and share together. Our gathering and sharing as a group was not a “tell all’ but instead, gave us insights into different life experiences and the trauma/drama associated with these experiences. We discussed how the power of prayer can bring healing to ourselves and to our world. We have a choice to focus on our problems or focus on God’s healing grace. Our focus determines our level of personal peace in navigating these problems and concerns. God is our strength, no matter how overwhelming the odds may seem. Speaking of control, we all want it! We are bombarded with ideas on how to gain control of our addictions. In the 12-step program, you must let go of trying to control people, situations and outcomes. Letting go brings freedom and then inner peace. When we find peace, a new door opens to loving others, as well as loving ourselves. ABOVE: Monica & Shannon Ford
FIND YOUR PLACE IN A SMALL GROUP
That door opened for us with the realization that spiritual growth happens in the spirit of community and sharing honestly and openly. We shared each other’s struggles but also joined in our gratitude to God for the many blessing that we have all received.
helped me see the church as a place that can make a difference. The church is a place where I can find spiritual depth. It has created in me a desire to participate more in church life—to contribute to other’s lives and to continue to grow spiritually.
This experience has affected my prayer life; how I see God, myself, others, my joy, my life—I see a more completed me. I see a more spiritual me. I see a more compassionate me. This group has
Shannon and I are grateful to our group and to this experience. We experienced kindness, enlightenment, gratitude, love, and joy.
FIND YOUR PLACE
in a Small Group or Class This Spring
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ant to learn more about the Bible or read it for the first time? Deepen your prayer life, or focus on how the Word translates into your everyday experiences? There’s a study for that!
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ooking for a place to connect, a faith community where you can grow in love of God, love of self and love of others?
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heck-out our current small groups and class offerings at www.firstmethodist.org. Click on “Ministries” and then select “Adults” from the drop down menu.
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re you a young professional, a high school student, a mom, an artist, a prayer warrior, a man’s man, a wanna-be chef, a biblical scholar or Bible illiterate? We have a group for you!
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t First, we have opportunities for all ages and stages. Wherever you may be on your faith journey, we know that you will find a group that is right for you.
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uestions? Jamye St. Romain, Director of Adult Education, would love to help. Email her at jstromain@firstmethodist.org or call Jamye at 383-4777, ext. 257. You may also contact Cherri Johnson, Director of Spiritual Formation at cherri@ firstmethodist.org or 383-4777, ext. 249.
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It
is hard to find words to describe the wonderful experiences I’ve had and continue to have because of the guidance I have received through the Ministry of Spiritual Formation at FUMC.
FROM THE
INSIDE|OUT MY JOURNEY WITH A SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR
BY MELISSA SAVARIO
I remember years ago hearing about the topic of spiritual discernment offered in a class led by Cherri Johnson. That was the beginning of my desire to know more about God. I began to wonder to myself, “Can God really speak to me through the Holy Spirit living in me?” I had to know! I continued to engage in spiritual formation classes and other opportunities for exploration and growth as a Christian. I participated in the one year Academy for Spiritual Leadership at FUMC which was an incredible experience! I was learning more and more about prayer, the means of grace and the spiritual disciplines, and I was sharing my journey with others. I joined a weekly covenant group where I could speak freely about my relationship with God. A turning point came when I began to formally meet with an FUMC spiritual director. I had developed a personal relationship with God but through one-onone spiritual direction, I learned how to listen to God’s whisper in the depths of my soul. My spiritual director gave me the beautiful gift of holy and sacred listening and companionship. I started journaling my prayers and making notes on scriptures that really touched my heart and helped me in my devotional readings. I began practicing centering prayer and taking time to invite God into the start of my day. At the end of the day, I examined where I had experienced His Presence. I shared my insights, doubts, questions, struggles and joys with my spiritual director. Today, my spiritual director continues to helps me understand how God might be nudging me; what may need healing, and how I can be present and respond to the work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a gift from God living in me and in you! When you know the Holy Spirit lives within you, you will also know that you have everything you need. We all have this desire and need for the reality of a living relationship with God, but often we ignore it. We may simply need a little help tapping into our Ultimate Guide and Source. Spiritual direction can help with this ‘tapping into’ God’s gift of grace. Spiritual direction is truly God’s
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transformative grace changing us into who He created us to be; from the inside out. Spiritual Direction is both an ancient and current ministry of the Christian church. Just as Jesus companioned his disciples on their faith journey, our spiritual journey is not meant to be traveled alone. John Wesley, founding father of the Methodist movement, understood the importance of spiritual direction as a component for growth and transformation. The privilege and responsibility of an experienced spiritual director is to journey with you as you explore your relationship with God and as you deepen your understanding of the movements of the Holy Spirit.
[
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION IN THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION
[
The human spiritual director does not “direct” in the sense of giving advice, solving problems, coaching or counseling. Rather, the director listens deeply for God’s invitation and guidance assisting the other in listening for and responding to God’s grace and guidance. Spiritual direction is a means of grace through which the Holy Spirit shines through with wisdom, discernment and encouragement. In spiritual direction, God, the Holy Spirit, is the real director. If you are interested in Spiritual Direction, please contact Cherri Johnson, Director of Spiritual Formation at cherri@firstmethodist.org or 383-4777, ext. 249.
FROM THE INSIDE OUT
BY DEBORAH TODD
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elping Youth Prepare for Excellence has always been a mission of the Methodist Church. So, three years ago when John F. Smith started calling folks to volunteer for the HYPE After School Program he was organizing, I was curious. Never having had children of my own, this type of hands-on volunteering is not at the top of my list. That said, the majority of the volunteering, mentoring and giving back to my community involves kids, so God’s plan for me was far different than what I planned. After much prayer I thought, “OK, I will show up and see what he is doing.”
and seeing the kids grow and benefit from our program is very heartwarming. Kids that started two years ago are still with us, so I’ve come to know and love them as if they were my own family. When I see their smiling faces get off the bus each week, it fills my heart with joy. Getting hugs from my special friends as they walk to class shows me that we are making a difference and creating a bond that will last a long time.
Many of our kids struggle to read, so that is a big focus. The For the past two years I’ve seen extra hour a day working with HYPE grow into a very successful them seems like a short amount of after school program where we time, but I have seen it have a big work to make sure every child impact. Quite a few of the students completes their homework for are now on honor roll or receive the following day. We mentor, “Most Improved” certificates. I praise, love, and hug. We teach think our greatest contribution respect, communication skills, and has been just loving our kids manners as well as have science, and showing them respect and music and art experiences. I’m kindness. Last week, I was helping there most Wednesday afternoons one of my newer kindergarten kids
and I told her she had to take one of the papers in her folder home to her Mom or Grandma. She said, “Today you can be my Grandma if you want.” Her response made me see again how we are showing so much love to them, that they feel love for us as well. Wow! In the beginning, when John was talking about the program, I asked, “But where’s the Jesus here?” I have come to realize that we, as volunteers, are the Jesus. Come join me helping to prepare our kids for excellence. You will love it like I do. HYPE ‘s goal is to have 12 or more volunteers a day, to help the 42 Bernard Terrace students enrolled in the program. Will you “be the Jesus?” For more information about HYPE or to be the Jesus, contact Phil Espinoza, Missionary to Public Schools at 383-4777, ext. 246. Or e-mail pespinoza@firstmethodist.org. ABOVE LEFT: Deborah Todd with Bernard Terrace students, Jaliyah & Carlen. RIGHT: Deborah helping Alexandra with her homework.
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UNITED METHODIST WOMEN CONGREGATIONAL NEWS
Welcome Our New Members!
Celebrating the Baptism of... Penelope Quinn Davis 1-1-17 Barbara Blake Shanklin 1-8-17 Blake Thomas Abney 1-8-17 Leo Michael Somers 1-8-17 Lily Camille Hudson 1-8-17 Ian Patrick Fellows 1-8-17
Celebrating the Birth of...
Wallace Christopher 11-30-16 child of Karen & Chris Styron Genevieve Boudreaux 12-12-16 child of Emily & Brad Boudreaux Nolan Speer 12-28-16 child of Sam & Lauren Speer
Jennifer Milazzo
Sympathy to the Families of...
Matt Milazzo
Lois Currie 12-12-16 DeEtte Williams 12-13-16 Richard Currie 12-29-16 Mary Lou Hutchinson 1-5-17 Larry Blanchard 1-3-17 Opal Temple 1-6-17 Glen Singleton 1-8-17
Elizabeth Austin
Congratulations to the Confirmation Class of 2017
Mike, Caroline & Jennifer DeLorimier
On Sunday, January 8 thirty-one youth confirmed their membership into our congregation! Listed below from left to right:
Rachael & Justin Hugon OPPOSITE PAGE: This Fall a mission team from FUMC traveled to Maua, Kenya and gave blankets and hats to women & children at the Maua Methodist Hospital. A group of women meet at FUMC every Tuesday morning to knit hats, prayer shawls and baby blankets. Back Row: Strader Bowlin, Blake Abney (baptized), William Sills, Trip Singer, William Melton,
Ian Fellows (baptized), Carter McLean, Beau Willis, Blake Rossnagel, Lewis Ward, Pierce Bowlin,
Russell Bender, Zachary Duke, Jeyson Sanchez, Joshua Williams, Porter Furniss, Kevin Kirschvink
Front Row: Riley Ewing, Audrey Crawford, Jane Crawford, Avery Fautheree, Mary Ann Crawford,
Caroline Vance, Leslie Burks, Blake Shanklin (baptized), Lily Hudson (baptized), Eva Worrell,
Julia Williams, Mignon LaBorde, Alice Leotta, Savannah Saia
December/January Weekly Attendance Week of Sunday, December 4 Worship 1,217 Sunday School 455 Total 1,672
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Week of Sunday, December 11 Worship 1,602 Sunday School 491 Total 2,093
930north | Spring 2017 | www.firstmethodist.org
Week of Sunday, December 18 Worship 1,229 Sunday School 457 Total 1,686
Week of Sunday, December 25 Worship 232 No Sunday School Total 232
THE VISION: MEMBER ENGAGEMENT, EXISTING WORSHIP
SPRING 2017 Calendar of Events For more information about small groups, classes or special events visit www.firstmethodist.org
WEEKLY CALENDAR SUNDAYS 8:30 AM 9:00 AM 9:45 AM 9:40 AM 9:45 AM 10:20 AM 11:00 AM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM
Worship-Sanctuary Café 930 Worship-America St. Sunday School Discover First Hospitality Coffee Worship-Sanctuary Prayer Ministry Adult Classes & Groups FUSE for Children Youth Group
MONDAYS 10:30 AM
Prayer Ministry
TUESDAYS 9:00 AM 10:30 AM 11:45 AM 12:00 PM
Knitting & Men’s Coffee Women’s AA Group Centering Prayer Alcoholics Anonymous
WEDNESDAYS 4:00 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 5:30 PM 5:45 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM
Healing Support Group Care Team The Gathering Meal Alcoholics Anonymous The Gathering Worship The Gathering Sm Groups Chancel Choir
THURSDAYS 9:00 AM Thursday Ladies Group 12:00 PM Alcoholics Anonymous
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.
SPECIAL EVENTS
SPECIAL EVENTS
FRIDAY 2/2-2/5
TUESDAY- BEGINS 3/7
Congregational Discipleship Retreat Off-site at Wesley Center
Centering Prayer 11:45 AM-12:30 PM, Tuesdays during Lent at the Center for Spiritual Formation
SATURDAY 2/4
WEDNESDAY 3/8
Youth Group Mardi Gras Ball 5:00 PM, in the gym
Senior Adult Program & Lunch 10:30 AM in the Conference Center
WEDNESDAY 2/8 Senior Adult Program & Lunch 10:30 AM, in the Conference Center
THURSDAY 2/9
SUNDAY 3/12 & SUNDAY 3/19 Enneagram Workshop 5:00-7:00 PM
SATURDAY 4/8
Daddy Daughter Dance 6:00-7:30 PM, in the gym
Women’s Day Retreat 9:00 AM–3:00 PM, at the Center for Spiritual Formation at FUMC
FRIDAY 2/10-2/18 ASP Mission Trip
WEDNESDAY 2/22 Senior Adult Trip NASA Stennis Space Center, call 3834777, ext. 229 for reservations
WEDNESDAY 3/1-4/5 Praying the Cross 6:30-7:30 PM, Wednesdays in the Aldrich Chapel
SATURDAY 3/4 A Day Retreat 9:00 AM-3:00 PM at the Center for Spiritual Formation at FUMC
Easter Walk 10:00 AM–Noon, off-site
GOOD FRIDAY- 4/14 “Stations of the Cross” Walk: Guided Outdoor Group 12:15 PM, walk begins on North Blvd in front of FUMC
MAUNDY THURSDAY- 4/13 Holy Week Meditation 5:00-6:00 PM in the Aldrich Chapel
January 22 Isaiah 9:1-4 Psalm 27:1, 4-9 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 Matthew 4:12-23
February 5 Isaiah 58:1-12 Psalm 112: 1-10 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 Matthew 5:13-20
February 19 Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 Psalm 119:33:40 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23 Matthew 5:38-48
January 29 Micah 6:1-8 Psalm 15 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Matthew 5:1-12
February 12 Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Psalm 119:1-8 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Matthew 5:21-37
February 26 Exodus 24:12-18 Psalm 99 (UMH 819) 2 Peter 1:16-21 Matthew 17:1-9
www.firstmethodist.org | Spring 2017 | 930north
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID
First United Methodist Church 930 North Boulevard Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802 Change Service Requested
Baton Rouge, LA Permit No. 63
Join us for Worship Sundays
8:30 AM - Sanctuary Worship Service 9:40 AM - Sunday School for all ages 9:45 AM - America Street Contemporary Service 11 AM - Sanctuary Worship Service
Wednesdays
5:45 PM - The Gathering, Dinner & Worship
Nursery Care is available from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Sunday mornings and from 5:00-7:30 PM, Sunday evenings
For more information, visit www.firstmethodist.org
facebook.com/FUMCBR