930north August 2015 by FUMC Baton Rouge

A PUBLICATION OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Engaging Our Members August 2015

TRANSFORMING LIVES BY ENGAGING OUR MEMBERS TO CELEBRATE AND SHARE GOD’S LOVE IN JESUS CHRIST

Our life together

Many thanks to the wonderful Vacation Bible School Volunteers!

August 2015

Table of Contents The

Meeting Place

The Meeting Place Rev. Fernie Rivera, UMW Award Recipients

Walking The Talk by Molly Ann Walke and Sheri Loy

The Adult Discipleship Path by Todd Barlow

Follow A Family At First

Congregational News

Calendar Of Events

Walking The Talk 8

ADULT DISCIPLESHIP PATH 10

Follow A Family At First

A Publication of First United Methodist Church 930 North Boulevard Baton Rouge, LA 70802 225-383-4777

From Rev. Brady Whitton Senior Pastor

Senior Pastor Rev. Brady Whitton Associate Pastors Rev. Pattye Hewitt Rev. Becky Poor Rev. Fernie Rivera Rev. Ann Trousdale Editor Caroline Tyler Photographers Melissa Feigley Victoria Labarre Becky Poor Molly Ann Walke To be added to our 930north magazine mailing list, join our reporting team, or to have information included in a future edition, please call 383-4777.

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ, Do you know the name Ronald Wayne? Mr. Wayne was the cofounder, along with Steve Jobs and Mike Wozniak, of Apple Computer – he owned 10% of the company. Mr. Wayne, unfortunately, is not so much famous for his early work with Apple but instead is infamous for his 1976 sale of his Apple shares for $800. Talk about a missed opportunity! In 2013, we began a process of defining our vision as a church. We conducted a church-wide survey, held focus groups, and examined our existing ministries and needs of the surrounding community. From these discussions, and with much prayer, our Church Council adopted five areas of focus: 1. Improving our existing worship opportunities and creating new ones 2. Developing a clear path for discipleship 3. Piloting an afterschool program 4. Starting an urban mission center 5. Finding ways to help our members engage more fully in the life of the church. All of these vision areas are well under way and are already bearing fruit in our church and community. I’m excited about where God is leading us through these ministries.

About the Cover Cheryl Calcote carefully assembles Maria Reed’s racecar craft at Vacation Bible School. Over 240 children and 160 adult and youth volunteers engaged in Bible stories, crafts, music, recreational games, and science experiments at this week long event in July.

930north Magazine | August 2015

In this issue of 930north you’ll read stories about how people are engaging whole heartedly to make this vision a reality. Don’t miss your opportunity. If you see something that touches your heart don’t sit idly by. Pick up the phone. Write an email. Get involved. You’ll be glad you did.

Yours in Christ,

The Meeting Place Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your position at FUMC?

I am one of the Associate Pastors and will be focusing most of my time on the America Street Service and Emerging Worship. Where did you grow up?

Rev. Fernie Rivera

I was born and raised on the southern border of El Paso, TX. What is your dream vacation spot?

There are two for me. My dream is to one day go anywhere in Ireland. I took a class on Celtic Christianity when I was in undergrad and I fell in love with the history and beauty of Ireland. I am extremely proud of my Mexican heritage though and would love to someday take my family and friends to Guanajuato, MX. This is a city of rich Mexican culture and history and I fell in love when I last had the chance to go. I hope to share that with people someday. What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working?

Music, sports, and being outdoors. While I no longer play sports as much as I used to, I still love to watch all sports and follow my favorite teams. Music has also been a passion of mine since fifth grade. I am excited to set up my recording equipment at my apartment and start writing and recording music once again. And while I have not been able to go fishing in a long time, I love fishing and camping. My dad and I used to go when I was younger and they are some of my favorite memories.

Favorite class in school?

I have always enjoyed my history classes. Because I am a first generation U.S. citizen, no one in my family experienced our rich U.S. history first hand. My only experience was through textbooks and history classes. I always enjoyed reading about our rich history and the many people who have helped shape who we are today. Person you admire the most?

My parents are the two people who I admire the most. They have faced adversity and struggles and have always persevered. In the face of poverty, loss, divorce and so many other things, they have shown me how to always keep my head up and give the world my best. Earliest memory of knowing you wanted to be a pastor?

I never knew. I always wanted to be a professional soccer player or a lawyer. But God had other plans. I began exploring my call to ministry in seventh grade. For many years it was a tug-o-war with God as I tried to talk myself out of a life of ministry. But God kept calling and eventually I stopped fighting.There is nothing else in my life I can picture myself doing and am so thankful for the calling God has placed in my life. What is something quirky about you?

I love fishing, but I have to be honest, I do love it, but I am scared of fish. When I was young my mom thought it would be cute to buy me bed sheets that had glow in the dark fish on them. At night, I used to lay in bed with a bunch of glowing fish around me. Since then, I have been afraid of them. Perhaps that is why I love fishing so much, because it gives me a sense of victory. August 2015 | 930north Magazine

The Meeting Place The United Methodist Women honor four recipients each year, who have positively contributed to the community. Here you can learn a little bit about each recipient, and we invite you to join us for our UMW Service Awards, Tuesday October 6th, at 6:30 pm in the Ory Parish Hall. Tickets will be available by contacting any UMW Circle or the FUMC Front Office. Ronald Garay received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas Christian University and his doctorate in mass communication from Ohio University. While a student at TCU, Ron met Mary Sue Sanders, and the two were married in 1970. Ron worked several years as a broadcaster in Lamesa, Fort Worth, and Dallas, Texas. He joined the LSU faculty in 1971 and retired as professor emeritus in 2009. Along the way Ron served eleven years as associate dean of the Manship School of Mass Communication. He held the F. Walter Lockett, Jr. Endowed Professorship from 2001 until his retirement and in 2005 was awarded the Erich and Lea Sternberg Honors Professorship. In 2013 he and three former colleagues received the Manship School Founder’s Award. Ron has published numerous articles, essays, and book chapters. He has published five books, his most recent—as well as a history of Baton Rouge First United Methodist Church in A Cross at River’s Edge. Ron and Mary Sue joined FUMC and the Rings ’n’ Ivy Sunday School class in 1972. Both of them sang in the Motet Choir for roughly 15 years. At various times Ron has served FUMC on many committees, including: Worship, Long-Range Planning, Care Team, FUMC 175th Anniversary, the TV Ministry, the Vision, Budget, and Executive. He served on the Administrative Board for several years and since 2011, he has served on the Church Council. He chaired the Council in 2014. Ron has taught Sunday School, served as FUMC delegate to Annual Conference and to the Baton Rouge Federation of Churches and Synagogues Board of Directors. Ron currently meets with a covenant group founded by Walter Brock, and he meets for Monday lunch at the Chimes Restaurant with three Rings ’n’ Ivy friends (Bill Avery, George Burgess, and John Wilder) in a gathering the group modestly refers to as the “Table of Wisdom.”

Ron Garay

Margie joined First United Methodist Church in the late 1950’s. She taught 3 year old Sunday School for 17 years. Margie also became a UMW member and assumed various officer leadership positions including Circle Leader and President of the First United Methodist Local Unit in the early 1970’s. She has remained in United Methodist Women and is now a member of Lowery Circle. Margie has attended Cursillo, is a Disciple I and II graduate, has been an long-time member of the Good News Sunday School class, and belongs to the Friday Covenant Group. Sunday mornings, Margie enjoys serving as a heart-warmer to our newest members. Not only has Margie been active in her faith community, but she has also served in the civic community as well. Margie has been Room Mother and PTA President at her Children’s Elementary School. She is a member of the Music Club of Baton Rouge and is a supporter of its Scholarship Program to the LSU Music School. Margie is also a members and supporter of the Nature Conservancy, the Salvation Army, and the LSU Vet School’s Wildlife Hospital. Recently, she was rewarded with her 3,000 hour volunteer pin at the Baton Rouge General Hospital Bluebonnet Campus, where she volunteers mostly in the Surgery Waiting department. Out of all her accomplishments, one of her fondest memories happened in the 6th grade – Margie had the honor of serving as “Mayor for a Day!”

Margie Kemp

930north Magazine | August 2015

UMW Service Award Recipients Sheri Marley Loy has been a member of FUMC since 1984. She was a member of the Radiance Youth Choir and the Youth Group. She traveled with the youth group on several mission trips including the Appalachain Service Project and Jamaica. Sheri began teaching in East Baton Rouge Parish in 1992. She taught for ten years before staying home with her young boys. She began teaching at the University Laboratory School in 2006, where is currently teaches first grade. Sheri has been very involved in the life of FUMC, being involved in many different ministries, including: The Stephen Ministry, Children’s Council member and President, VBS co-chair/chair and has been involved in some way each year, Sunday School teacher (first and third grade, presently a Godly Play facilitator in first grade) and is a member of Cornerstone Sunday School class. Sheri has also volunteered with the Junior High Myster Mission Trip for two years, Wilderness Trek adult leader, Mission Day Camp Leader for two years, Children’s Sermon team member, she is a gradute of Disciple I Bible Study, as well as the Spiritual Academy. First Methodist has been part of Stephen Loy’s life since he was baptized as a baby. He grew up in the Youth Group singing in the Radiance Choir, being a puppeteer in FUMC’s Puppet Ministry, serving on Youth Council, the Administrative Board and participating in the Appalachian Service Project. He and his wife Sheri worked together with the Friends of Family program and helped found several Adult Sunday School Classes. His biggest joy is working with the television ministry which Col. Tom Jackson introduced him to when he was in middle school. Stephen is the Executive Director of the Louisiana Technology Park, which is the hub for emerging, high-tech companies in the Baton Rouge region, providing them with the resources to bring their products and services to market faster and more effectively. Stephen and Sheri have three sons who are active at First Methodist: Tucker 17, Hayden 15, and Parker 15. They also share their home with two unmannered yellow labs, Roux and Rex.

Stephen & Sheri Loy

John F. Smith, was born in Monroe, Louisiana. He obtained a BS degree in Pre-Med, Zoology with a minor in Chemistry from Southern University. Mr. Smith worked many years as a Special Laboratory Technician for ExxonMobil. In addition to his research responsibilities he was also critically involved community relations and involvement activities. Most recently he was the Director of Community Affairs for Hollywood Casino and now a consultant for The Godfrey Center for Creative Strategies. John is a graduate of Leadership BR and serves on several community and civic boards and committees. These include St. James Place and St James Place Foundation, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Dream Teachers, Up Alliance formerly known as The Greater Baton Rouge Literacy Coalition, the Greater Baton Rouge Youth and Planning Board, First United Methodist Church Council and 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge, Inc. His involvement in the 100 include serving as past President and currently as Vice-President of programs. He was also most recently awarded the Angle Award by BlueCross Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation. During the afternoon during the school-year, John can be found volunteering with FUMC’s After-School program, HYPE (Helping Young People Excel), where he is the Lay Coordinator. John also serves as an usher for the Sanctuary Worship services. He is the proud father of one daughter, who is a product of the EBR public school system, and a graduate of Dillard and Tulane Universities.

John F. Smith

August 2015 | 930north Magazine

Walking The Talk by: Molly AnnWalke and Sheri Loy

First United Methodist Church is committed to serving those in our community. This committment has led us to create ministries where our church members are actively the hands and feet of Christ. As a part of FUMC’s Vision an Urban Repair Ministry, Revive225, was established in 2014. Mission Day Camp is a week-long opportunity for children in 4th and 5th grades to put their faith into action throughout Baton Rouge. Both Revive225 and Mission Day Camp allow participants to make a difference in the community, and are great opportunities for us to walk the talk.

When friends ask me about Revive225, I get so excited that I just don’t know where to begin. In six short months, it has become my favorite thing about my job (which has started to feel less like a job). Technically speaking, Revive225 is a ministry of FUMC where high school and college students come to Baton Rouge for a week to share Jesus’ love by doing home repair and acts of service. I would argue, however, that it’s so much more than that. As a significant part of the new vision of FUMC, Revive225 exists to reach families within a three-mile radius of our church. We want to share the love of Christ that we know to be so present in our lives with those who may have lost hope for one reason or another. We want them to know they have a church family in FUMC and that we care about their well-being. January was the month in which Revive really came to life for me. Co-directors George Ragsdale and Alex Byo brought me along to Highland Park UMC in Dallas for a youth directors’ conference to introduce our new project to youth leaders in need of a mission opportunity. After so many weeks of planning, we were finally able to go out and promote it, which was really exciting. Armed with Mardi Gras beads, king cake

Revive225 knows its purpose and has people in place to get stuff done. -Erick Dahl Suncreek United Methodist Church, Youth Director

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and jambalaya, we lured youth directors to our table one by one, passionately explaining why they should visit Baton Rouge this summer. At the end of January, we held our first church-wide workday, which was a massive success. Seventy volunteers showed up ready to work on our first wave of houses, and we had a lot fun doing so. In February, bunk beds for the volunteers were ordered and the idea of Revive was turning even more into a reality. Finally, in March, our first group ever landed on our doorstep, and Revive was in full swing. We welcomed Florida State University Wesley as our first crew to spend a week in Baton Rouge fulfilling our vision. Forty students spent their days disassembling an abandoned house, digging a trench, patching a roof, putting up siding and installing gutters. More importantly, the FSU students spent their days getting to know Mr. Peter, Ms. Patricia, Ms. Elnora and Ms. Christine. Little did they know, they were helping form relationships that continue to grow today. When asked about his experience at Revive225, FSU Wesley Director Ivan Myers said, “The program allowed our students who have a passion for mission to serve those in need and experience the culture of Louisiana. Our students cherished their experiences and left with bigger hearts. It is a mission with a great vision and wonderful leadership.” He also mentioned his hope of returning to Baton Rouge with his students. University of Alabama’s Wesley group came the following week, and they dug a hole in Ms. Patricia’s yard until they could no longer dig. Immediately after Bama, we hosted the youth from FUMC Little Rock—an all-boy group, which made things quite interesting! On Easter Sunday, we welcomed a crew of 35 from Gainesville, Georgia who rocked our world. The students were eager to work, excited to worship and ready to love on anyone they met. Instead of taking their Wednesday half-day of R&R to New

Orleans, they opted to stay in Baton Rouge and join our youth group for Bible study, which was a true blessing. GFUMC’s youth director, David Burchett, later remarked, “Our team was overwhelmed by the hospitality of the Revive225 staff and FUMC and amazed by the faith and gratitude of those whom we were there to serve. Our entire group feels more blessed by the experience than anything we could have done while we were there. The lives of many students were impacted and changed by our time at Revive225. It was a unanimous vote after we returned home--we will be returning to Baton Rouge next spring and can’t wait to get there.” GFUMC was an inspiring bunch, to say the least. It was the perfect ending to our Spring edition of Revive225. The off-season, if you will, involved intense planning for our summer groups. We held a kid-friendly, church-wide workday in which families were able to create a sensory garden at Ms. Mandy’s house, do yard work at Ms. Patricia’s house and other various tasks around South Baton Rouge. We hired new interns, we expanded our tool shed into the back of the America Street parking lot. We cleaned. We ordered t-shirts. We were ready. The second week in June brought our largest crew yet: Suncreek UMC. This youth group of 55 came in like a wrecking ball, but we loved every minute of it. They were thrilled to use power tools, climb on a roof, install a new sewer line, paint walls and so much more. In the words of their youth director, Erick Dahl: “I have been on 35 mission trips in my life, and I can honestly say that we’ve never been on a trip as organized and challenging. Revive225 knows its purpose and has people in place to get stuff done. Our youth were put into positions where they worked with real tools and did real work, which is far from the case in most mission opportunities.”

Words of praise like these are incredibly rewarding. Without the help of our faithful church members, however, we can’t do what we do. On a Sunday afternoon, you can stumble upon our enthusiastic members tossing Mardi Gras beads as a Revive group arrives, and it will make your day. Throughout the week, you can see the smiling faces of those who serve Louisiana-style meals in the kitchen each week, and it will be just as exciting as watching a high-schooler nail in the last shingle on a roof. During the day, you can listen as a site leader explains how cutting a board is a metaphor for his walk with Christ, and you’ll agree. At night, you can sing along as Chris Rosborough leads a worship service, and it will take your breath away. On any given day, you can watch our youth interact with youth from far way, and it will fill your heart with joy. Nothing compares to witnessing the impact our church has had on our community, on our own volunteers and on the volunteers who only stay for a week. When friends ask me about Revive225, I smile and tell them it’s the reason I’m excited to wake up in the morning. It’s watching Floridians taste crawfish for the first time and spit it out. It’s teaching a youth group how to play Nine Square and seeing that they’ve purchased it the next week. It’s snapping pictures of Alex changing a tire in the rain. It’s chatting with Lowe’s employees about what Revive225 is all about. It’s seeing a homeowner move into her house after years of being displaced. It’s being okay with being uncomfortable because, like Rev. Brady once said, “mission work begins where your comfort zone ends.”

Mission Day Camp

has been offered as an option for FUMC’s older elementary students, for many summers now. For one week in July, 35 students in 4th and 5th grades, work with local non-profit agencies to learn how these agencies are serving our community and to help along side them. This year, our students visited and worked with: HOPE Ministries, Connections For Life, Magnolia Woods Elementary School (one of FUMC’s partner schools) and Revive225. The students are led by several Children’s Council Members and Revive225 staff, as well as parent volunteers. Mission Day Camp was held from 9 am - 12:00 pm on July 13th - 17th.

August 2015 | 930north Magazine

ADULT DISCIPLESHIP PATH Your path to a balanced, revitalized Christian life through learning, discerning and sharing. Written by Todd Barlow, Chair of the Adult Discipleship Vision Team For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10 In 2014, we launched a church-wide vision that included refining ministries of our church. Over the past year, the adult formation and education discipleship team has reviewed our extensive class offerings and ministries and is now excited to launch this renewal of our adult ministry area. Our first goal was to revisit our deep Methodist roots. Our founder, John Wesley, discussed his spiritual practice via what he termed the means of grace. As Christians, we believe in God’s unconditional love and grace; grace is a free gift from God without strings attached. However, there are spiritual practices that we can follow to deepen our relationship with our Creator. Becoming a disciple of Christ within this tradition is not a single moment, but a journey that will sustain us on our path. These means or ways of allowing grace into our lives includes worship, prayer, abstinence (fasting), searching the scriptures and acts of mercy – being in service to others. At FUMC, we have recently launched two areas of mission – Revive225 and HYPE (our afterschool program) – where you can experience this means. While we offer opportunities for all of the means at First Methodist, we would like to encourage all adult to more intentionally balance these areas. If you are in a weekly Bible study and attend worship, you are regularly participating in two of the means of grace. What about the others? Do you make time to love God and serve others, to pray and open your heart to your Creator, to practice abstinence on a weekly basis? As part of our adult discipleship plan, we aim to make these means of grace our focus, along with a special emphasis on one particular means – that of Christian Conferencing. When John Wesley founded the Methodist movement, he was part of a general revival in England. One of his contemporaries was a preacher by the name of George Whitfield. While Wesley and Whitfield were both well-known outdoor evangelists, the followers of Wesley evolved into a denomination, while many of Whitfield’s converts quickly returned to their pre-revival lives without significant change. At the end of his life, Whitfield is even said to have commented, “My brother Wesley acted wisely; the souls that were awakened under his ministry he joined in class, and thus preserved the fruits of his labor. This I neglected, and my people

are a rope of sand.” So, what is Whitfield talking about when he says a “class?” Wesley was intentional in his ministry of not only converting souls, but of putting these new or renewed Christians into covenantal and transformational groups. These were not Sunday School classes. The purpose of the meeting was not studying the Bible or enjoying a time of fellowship. Meetings were help once a week and were mandatory for membership in the society of the Methodists. During these weekly meetings, the group of eight to twelve would answer the same questions – How is your life in God? How have you felt God’s presence in the past week? Where are you seeing guidance from God? These meetings were so important in the Methodist societies in English and the denomination in America, that many have seen their decline as the beginning of the decline in attendance and health of churches in the United Methodist denomination. Beginning this August, you will be asked to partner with our congregation in a renewal of the means of grace and covenantal small groups. If you are leading a class or study within our church, please join us in the Conference Center on August 15th from 10 am to 12 pm to partner with us in this journey. If you feel called to lead a small group in the style of Wesley’s class meetings, we invite you to join us on the 15th, and additional training will follow. We hope that everyone will hold this ministry in your prayers, but we also need volunteers to teach, lead small groups, and provide navigation for new church members. In addition to clarifying our existing discipleship path for adults, we hope that this renewal will help us to witness to others in the community and extend a clearer invitation for new members. Over the past year, we have created a course on the Essentials of the Christian faith, led by Rev. Brady Whitton. Many of our groups are going to be using these materials in the fall, and we will be encouraging all new members of the church to start with this class before joining a small group within our community. So our preparation is nearly complete and our launch date is set. We have a discipleship model that is tested and true—one that truly can lead to a less complicated, balanced and revitalized Christian life. I cannot overstate the gift that awaits those who re-commit to learning, discerning and practicing the essentials of our faith. It is this same blessing that energizes and enables us to share with others who are searching in a world that needs Christ. I encourage each member of this great congregation to commit to this process. Let’s get started.

We believe the Holy Spirit is at work throughout our journey.

930north Magazine | August 2015

Learn & Discern Essentials 1 & 2 Spiritual Navigation

Learn & Discern Essentials 1: Basic Christian beliefs and practice Essentials 2: Bible basics We recommend everyone start with these two classes. Afterward, you are invited and encouraged to connect with a group and deepen your Christian practice.

Connect & Practice

Connect & Practice Connect Small Groups Practice Means of Grace

ild a da nd s ily tre pr ng ay th e r en

Abstain from worldly distractions

e we te hip a cip rs rti n wo a i P

kly

Engage in searching the scriptures

Means of Grace A vital life of discipleship is sustained by ongoing Christian practice. We call the practices that help us grow stronger in love of God and neighbor ‘The Means of Grace’. These practices are not ways we earn God’s love but are ways we nurture the gift of grace in our lives. We encourage you to engage as you’re able in each of the six means.

connect with a group that will help nurture and sustain you on the journey of faith. We have many groups to be a part of and we believe it is essential for you to connect with one. Our ministry team will work with you to make this happen.

C wi Con hris t h fe t i a sm ren n all cin gr g ou ps

ur n e o rs i ays v o Lo hb le w ig ib ne ang , l t rea

Go & Share The love of Jesus Christ is too big for us to keep to ourselves. Every Christian is called to share their faith in the world. What will that sharing look like for you?

Go & Share Continue the Path Invite Others

August 2015 | 930north Magazine

Follow A Family At First Volunteers are everywhere at FUMC, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe us? Follow a family as they visit the church for the first time, and see if you can keep track of how many volunteers they meet on a Sunday Morning. Did you know that FUMC Baton Rouge has a Facebook page? Each week, thousands of people see our posts, and are able to keep up with what the congregation is doing. Have you ever shared a FUMC Baton Rouge post before? You are being an evangelist, and sharing the Word with your friends. By liking and sharing a FUMC Baton Rouge post, you are spreading the Word of God with all your friends on Facebook!

Saw a post on Facebook

Greeted at the door

Arrived in Parking Lot

We began the parking lot ministry for Easter Sunday in the spring of 2015. With the church located in the downtown Baton Rouge area, many guests and some long-time members are hesitant on where to park during the busiest holiday seasons. By gearing up in our yellow reflective traffic vests and walkie-talkies in hand, we can easily be seen and heard on the streets to direct families to the best parking spaces. This is especially helpful, as some lots fill up more quickly than others, we can quickly reroute the cars. Our parking lot ministry team is a fun group and we enjoy making the trip to church a little less stressful for visitors and our members. - Wade Stephens Interested in volunteering? Contact Rev. Becky Poor (becky@firstmethodist.org)

930north Magazine | August 2015

Greeting people at FUMC is a joy for me because it has given me the chance to meet the people whom I see at classes, services and special events that I may not have met before. I get extra hugs when I say “Good morning and welcome to FUMC.” You would be surprised at the sincere as well as the humorous greeting I receive in return. God has really blessed me by giving me the chance to greet everyone who comes to the America Street Entrance. If you would like to fill your life with love from our sisters and brothers of First United Methodist Church, then join the Greeting Team. - Melanie Stagg Interested in volunteering? Contact Jenny Cohn (jennycohn@bellsouth.net)

These flower s have graced The altar of our church Where hymn s have been sung Prayers have been offered And a serm on has been preached. Now, repres enting the be au ty of God’s love They come to you with ou r love. First United M

Baton Rougeethodist Church , Louisiana

This special card is attached to the small arrangements made by volunteers of the Flower Ministry following the Sunday Services. The flowers are then delivered during the week to those who are experiencing a joy or sorrow in their live, in hopes that they remember how loved they are. -Dot Harman

Interested in volunteering? Contact Sandra King (sking@firstmethodist.org)

Smelled the Flowers

Read the Bulletin

The worship bulletins at FUMC are not only home to the weekly Order of Worship, but they also list different class offerings and volunteer opportunities you can get involved in. If your small group is interested in hosting a bake sale or want to recruit new members, you can place a listing in the bulletin, and the congregation will see them. Be sure to check back each week, as these announcements and opportunities change

August 2015 | 930north Magazine

First Fixers

Years ago, while singing in the congregation, a member in the pew in front of me said “you should sing in the choir”. I took that as a sign from the Lord. Lamar Drummonds, and the rest of the choir members received me with open arms. Since that day, my worship experience has been forever changed. It is a privilege to be a part of a ministry that directly affects hearts and lives! If Christ has been speaking to you, take this as your “you should be singing in the choir” moment! You will be glad you did! -Jeff Welsh

A great building like FUMC’s campus takes a lot of work to keep it in pristine condition. For over 10 years, a group of volunteers complete the handyman work that a large building requires. From fixing unstable furniture in the Early Learning Center, to repairing small holes in the walls, and even demolition, these volutneers help the church on a weekly basis.

Interested in singing in the choir? Contact Lamar Drummonds (lamar@firstmethodist.org)

Interested in volunteering? Contact Quincey Mitchell (quincey@firstmethodist.org)

Sat in the Pews

Several years ago my husband and I felt the need to “do our part” at FUMC, to help in some way. Neither of us knew how to make this happen, nor did we voice our desire to anyone. Then Becky Poor called and asked if we would be willing to volunteer on the second Sunday of each month to take up attendance pad slips, and we jumped at the opportunity! Before Becky called us, I admit we never thought to what happened to the attendance slips. We didn’t know that visitors and people who wish to join our church are contacted, people who have missed worship services are contacted, and comments we write on an attendance slip are actually read by our ministers. Signing the attendance pad each week is important.

930north Magazine | August 2015

Heard the Choir Signed the Attendance Pad

Our son helps us, and the three of us are able to work the entire balcony in about 15 minutes, collecting and sorting them. We have greatly enjoyed getting to know the other members of our team, and we look forward to visiting with them as we work together once a month. We have been glad to help our church in this tiny way, and since our involvement in this ministry, God has shown our family other ways to serve Him and our church. All it took was having the desire and saying “Yes!” -Susan Melsheimer

Interested in volunteering? Contact Jennifer Stephens (jennifer@ firstmethodist.org)

I have been volunteering at FUMC for about one year. For a while I felt compelled to do something but did not know how to start. Finally I spoke to Rev. Brady after worship and he directed me to Becky Poor. Before long I found my home as a member of the Member Engagement Team where I help to fulfill the vision of FUMC as a caring and shepherding congregation. One of the ways we do this is to reach out to members and check in on them from time to time. I use the information gathered from the attendance pads, to know which members have been absent. I enjoy being able to call and catch up with other FUMC members, and being able to help our ministry teams help our members. -Stephanie Bruno

Community Clinic • Provides free medical, dental, mental health and vision care to the uninsured, working poor in the nine-parish GBR area. Connections for Life • A 12 month re-entry and housing program for women returning to the community from prison. Capital Area Alliance for Homeless (One-Stop) • A center serving homeless citizens in the GBR area; provides showers, beds & linens, Laundromat, a mailing address location, among many other services for the homeless. Christian Outreach Center (COC) • Provides help and assistance in the form of food, bus passes, job placement services, computer courses, weekly Bible studies, and many more to the homeless and low income families of GBR. Family Service of GBR • Provides a range of programs that address community needs in a ten parish area such as HIV/AIDS, a counseling and parenting center, custody evaluations and mediation, domestic abuse intervention, and supervised visitation among many others. GRACE Camp • An outgrowth of Kairos prison ministry, GRACE Camp is designed to intervene in the lives of children who have a parent who is (or has been) incarcerated with the intention of helping them to avoid following in their parents’ footsteps. HOPE Ministries • Helps people stabilize their lives through employment and increase productivity and retention that, in turn, prevents homelessness and promotes self-sufficiency and dignity.

Saw the Memorial Votive

Anytime a church member passes, our church family shares in that loss. There are so many details for the immediate family to tend to, that we as a church family offer our help by arranging and hosting a reception for family and friends during the visitation immediately prior to the funeral service. This offer is made when the initial arrangements are being made, is available for all services held at our church, and can be tailored to meet the family’s needs. The reception is usually held in the Ory Parish Hall and the necessary serving pieces and staples are kept at church. We have a small budget for food, flowers and to cover any unforeseen needs, however donated food items are welcomed and greatly appreciated. Volunteers are always needed to help provide food, set up, serve or to clean up. - Robin Reed

Interested in volunteering? Contact Robin Reed (robinreed@bellsouth.net) or Nancy Cadwallader (cadwallader@att.net)

10 Passed the Offering Plate

Have you ever wondered where the money placed in the Offering Plate goes? FUMC supports 17 different local, national and international mission opportunities. Here’s a little info about each place. Interested in missions? Contact Alex Byo (alex@firstmethodist.org)

Interfaith Federation of GBR • Fosters interfaith understanding, mobilizes individuals to wage peace in their daily lives, and feeds the hungry Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home • A leading faith-based provider of behavioral health services that is Louisiana’s most intensive, comprehensive, and holistic residential care to over 250 children. Kairos Prison Ministry • Volunteers serve as God’s instrument through which His love, grace, and mercy are expressed to those incarcerated in a real and profound way. Public School Partners • Bernard Terrace Elementary and Magnolia Woods Elementary Parker House • A residential treatment center for children, ages 3-13, who have been severely traumatized through abuse/neglect. Together Baton Rouge • An organization seeking to improve transit systems, increased access to healthy foods, better trust across the lines that divide our community, strengthening public education, and other local issues. Youth Oasis • A Basic Center Children’s Shelter and Young Adult Residential Complex that is an emergency shelter serving the Department of Children and Family Services; designed for at-risk youth. Salvation Army • Mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ while meeting human needs without discrimination. FaithWorks • FUMC’s annual workday in which volunteers perform acts of service at many organizations and non-profits throughout the Baton Rouge area. Missionary Support • FUMC supports missionaries throughout the world, one being Esther Gitobu, who has helped many members of our church become powerful supporters of missionary work in Cambodia.

August 2015 | 930north Magazine

The second Sunday of every month, better known as Mission Sunday, is a great opportunity for people to serve others and our community much the way Jesus would. One way we serve others is through a cook team, devised by a group of men from the Milestone Sunday School class who prepare and cook the day’s lunch. The group arrives before 7 am on Mission Sunday and begin preparing the meal, consisting of: a main course, vegetable, dinner rolls and a cookie. As the morning progresses (and as the day’s lunch cooks), they prepare for the onslaught of business they will do once the 11 am service has ended. Lunches are sold and all proceeds go to different organizations or charities each month. The organizations and charities supported, as well as the decision on what food will be served each month, are chosen prior to the beginning of each year. “Through experience,” says Tadd Stout, a member of the cook team, “we’ve learned that anything that is fried, sells! [Being a part of the cook team] by no means is all work. We cut up and have a good time. I personally enjoy the camaraderie of being around a great group of guys and serving Christ in a meaningful way.”

We really enjoy the opportunity to serve and visit with our church community at café930 on Sunday’s. We’ve gotten to know all the “regulars” and to meet many visitors and new members. We think of café930 as our way of giving back to the many people whose support and service we have enjoyed over our years at FUMC. - Steve and Fran Shurtz Interested in volunteering? Contact Rev. Pattye Hewitt (phewitt@firstmethodist.org)

Stopped by café930

Interested in volunteering? Contact Alex Byo (alex@firstmethodist.org)

Being a part of the Milestone Sunday School class has been the biggest blessing of FUMC in my life. After teaching my first lesson many years ago, I knew that teaching and facilitating a small group was a way that I could grow deeper in my own individual faith walk. I love the challenge of researching and studying the scriptures while preparing a lesson, and I love hearing the different thoughts my classmates have on our chosen topics. I never leave without being touched by something we discuss in class. One of my favorite things is leaving the 8:30 service and realizing that, without knowing or planning it, our lesson for the week complements the sermon in some way. It’s always confirmation that the Spirit is guiding our study and sharing. - Amanda Wells

café930

930north Magazine | August 2015

Purchased a Mission Sunday Lunch

Attended Sunday School Interested in joining a Sunday School class? Contact:

Adult classes - Cherri Johnson (cherri@firstmethodist.org)

Youth classes - George Ragsdale (grags@firstmethodist.org) Children classes - Sheri Loy (sheri@firstmethodist.org)

Ten years ago my wife, Gina, told me we needed to join a Sunday school class. My oldest son, Powell, was turning two and would start attending the 2-3 year old class. I told her that I had enough interaction with big people and would attend Powell’s new class. After Powell and my youngest son, Beau, left the class, I’m still here. In my other life I spend all of my time unraveling the complicated mess of interpersonal conflict. When I walk in that room on Sunday and little human rockets launch at me with screams of “Mr. Scott” I know that I am as close to the source of God’s love and grace as I can get. Between buggy rides, and the weekly recital of Jonah and the Whale, I am surrounded by the beauty and wonderment of God’s creation. For anyone who may have the weight of the world on their shoulders and is looking for a break; I found the best hour of the week, where everything but the love of God disappears. Come see us when you can. -Scott Gaspard

Every Sunday, and throughout the rest of the week, FUMC’s campus is full of volunteers. Could you keep track of how many volunteers this family encountered on their visit to FUMC? While you were reading, you may have noticed different contact persons for different ministry areas. If a particular volunteer opportunity sounds interesting to you, we encourage you to take a leap of faith and try it out. You may find a calling, or as Scott Gaspard says “the best hour of the week.”

After a full Sunday morning, the family arrived home. Soon, they’ll be contacted by a pastor or other staff member. It’s our deep prayer that they’ll return to FUMC and join in our work.

Purchased Cambodian Items in the Gym

The family went home

Each Mission Sunday, Cambodian products and crafts can be found for sale in the gymnasium. The eclectic setup, led by Cambodia mission extraordinaire and FUMC member Judy Foust, provides a wide ranch of items to be purchased such as shawls, purses, jewelry, wallets, backpacks, bamboo bowls, and men’s neckties. All proceeds go directly to Cambodia that provide opportunities that otherwise would not be available. Opportunities include getting women set up in businesses, scholarships, higher education, and many more. All items sold in the gym are handcrafted and made in Cambodia. Interested in missions? Contact Alex Byo (alex@firstmethodist.org)

August 2015 | 930north Magazine

July Congregational News Celebrating the Birth of... Eloise Larkin (5/27) Daughter of Allison and Robert Selig Wynn Avery (6/8) Daughter of Randi and John Monday Lincoln Michael (6/22) Son of Meredith and Jason Chustz Hannah Frances (7/15) Daughter of Emily and Logan McIlwain

Sympathy to the Families of... Ms. Nora Heroman (6/26) Mr. Mel Meyers (7/2) Ms. Virginia Elliot (7/5) Ms. Betty Curry (7/15)

Welcome New Members!

Josh & Ellen DeCuir Fletcher and Lillie Earl and Brenda Divine

Celebrating the Baptism of... Bennett Alan (6/21) Son of Sirena and Chris Brock

Lane Dyess

Andrew and Lauren Hood

Jump Start Sunday August 16th Fall 2015 Sunday School kickoff

(adult, youth & children) Children & youth start their new grades

Darlene Rogers

To learn more about Sunday School or to register, visit the gym August 2nd & 9th, 9:30 - 10:30 am You may also register online, at www.firstmethodist.org

June Financial Report As of 6/30/2015: Actual YTD Budget YTD Variance Income $ 1,915,760 $ 1,882,152 $ 33,608 Expense $ 2,034,702 $ 2,059,964 $ (25,262) Net Income $ (118,942) $ (177,812) $ 58,870

Jon Schneider Elizabeth Vivian

June Weekly Attendance

Week of Sunday, June 7

Week of Sunday, June 14

Week of Sunday, June 21

Week of Sunday, June 28

Worship 905 Sunday School 455 Total 1,360

Worship 825 Sunday School 356 Total 1,181

Worship 847 Sunday School 468 Total 1,315

Worship 860 Sunday School 454 Total 1,314

930north Magazine | May 2015

AUGUST Calendar of Events Weekly

Special

SUNDAYS 8:30 am 9:00 am 9:40 am 9:45 am 10:20 am 11:00 am 5:00 pm 6:30 pm

WEDNESDAY - 8/5 6:30 pm Books of Life

Worship Café 930 Sunday School Discover First Hospitality Coffee Worship Coffee, Tea & Theology Worship

MONDAYS 9:30 am Prayer Ministry TUESDAYS 9:00 am 9:30 am 10:30 am 12:00 pm

Knitting Men’s Bible Study Fit @ First Women’s AA AA

WEDNESDAYS 9:30 am Bible for Every Day 4:00 pm Illness Support Group 4:00 pm Member Engagement Phone Team Meeting 4:30 pm Care Team 6:00 pm Woodland Ringers 7:00 pm Chancel Choir THURSDAYS 9:00 am 10:00 am 12:00 pm 7:00 pm

Thursday Group Widow’s Walk AA Church Basketball

For more dates and events, visit our website at www.firstmethodist.org Early Learning Center 3

4th Visitation for Fall Classes 4th Last Day of Summer Session 5th & 6th Staff Development Day (Center Closed) 7th Open House (Center Closed) rd

SUNDAY - 8/9 5:00 pm Youth - The Big Event MONDAY - 8/10 6:00 pm Church Council Meeting WEDNESDAY - 8/12 10:30 am Senior Adult Program and Luncheon SATURDAY - 8/15 10:00 am Recognition of Small Group Leaders and Academy Graduates Adult Discipleship Path Roll-Out SUNDAY - 8/16 - JUMP START SUNDAY 8:00 am Blood Drive 9:40 am Fall Sunday School Classes Begin (children & youth move up to their new classes) MONDAY - 8/17 through FRIDAY - 8/21 11:45 am Holy Grill volunteer opportunity (serve a meal to the hungry) @ 6000 Cadillac Street FRIDAY - 8/21 6:00 pm Men’s Spiritual Life Retreat

Monthly Lectionary Texts The lectionary is a series of Scripture readings for specific days of the year. The United Methodist Church uses a lectionary based on The Revised Common Lectionary, a three-year lectionary. They include four Bible readings for every Sunday. July 27

2 Samuel 11:26 - 12:13a Ephesians 4:1-16 John 6:24-35 Psalm 51

August 3

2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33 Ephesians 4:25-5:2 John 6:35, 41-51 Psalm 130

August 10

1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14 Ephesians 5:15-20 John 6:51-58 Psalm 111

August 17

1 Kings 8:1,6,10-11,22-30,41-43 Ephesians 6:10-20 John 6:51-58 Psalm 84

August 24

Song of Solomon 2:8-13 James 1:17-27 Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9

WEDNESDAY - 8/26 11:30 am Senior Adult Eat-Out Luncheon

May 2015 | 930north Magazine

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

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 Nursery Care is available from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Sunday mornings and from 5:00-7:30 p.m.

visit

www.FirstMethodist.org

for more information

facebook.com/FUMCBR

@FUMCBatonRouge