930north • Winter 2018 Edition

WINTER

2018

Come, Celebrate the Reason for the Season with Us This Christmas

FEATURES A LETTER FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR........5 BE SALT & LIGHT........................................................6

Chris King talks about the joy and freedom that he has found in practicing outrageous generosity.

SOUTH KOREA WAS NOT MY PLAN..............8

Caroline Spencer describes how God changed her plans for her gap year.

SERVING THE KINGDOM OF GOD................10

Cheryl Major Brandon shares how serving as a Congregational Care Lay Minister has changed her perspective.

SANCTUARY RENOVATION UPDATE............12

ON THE COVER: Families gathered in Galvez Plaza for the Downtown America Street Christmas concert. Photo taken by Todd Rossnagel.

How a hearing loop system will enhance the worship experience for the hearing impaired.

IT WAS THE TREE....................................................13

Rev. Dr. Jane Riecke reflects on a long-ago Christmas when love saved the day.

CONGREGATIONAL NEWS.............................14 Sharing our joys and sorrows together

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS............15

WHO WE ARE WHAT WE’RE ABOUT: LOVE3

We are personally committed to loving God, ourselves and others.

2

GOD WORKS

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

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

930north | www.firstmethodist.org | Winter 2018

SERVANT SQUAD

We want to help you discover your purpose and use your God-given talents to serve, care, teach, lead, and love.

YOU'RE WELCOME HERE

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

GOT BRAINS?

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

A Feast

of Carols Sunday, December 9 Sanctuary at 8:30 and 11:00 AM The FUMC Chancel Choir and Festival Orchestra will lead worship. The theme of the service will be A Feast of Carols and will feature seasonal favorites: O Come, All Ye Faithful, The Holly and the Ivy, Carol of the Bells, Lo, How a Rose, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas.

Downtown Christmas Pilgrimage Sunday, December 9

Join us in this great downtown tradition as we journey from church to church and hear a wonderful assortment of music celebrating the season.

5:30 PM 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM

Mt. Zion First Baptist First United Methodist First Presbyterian St. Joseph Cathedral St. James Episcopal First Baptist

For Unto Us a Child is Born Celebrate the Christmas Season with Us The Longest Night Thursday, December 20 | Sanctuary at 7:00 PM On one special night in December, we celebrate the winter solstice, the longest night of the year.

We host a service of healing, hope, and encouragement at this time as a reminder that even on the darkest day, Christ comes to offer light into our world. This service speaks particularly to persons who have had a difficult year and to all of us who have unspoken concerns and needs.

Christmas Eve

Monday, December 24 THE 11:00 AM SANCTUARY SERVICE will be family-oriented and will feature a retelling of the Nativity as seen from the eyes of animals at the Nativity. The service will end with the lighting of candles and singing Silent Night. Festival Brass will provide prelude music beginning fifteen minutes prior to the service.

THE 3:00 PM AMERICA STREET SERVICE is our contemporary worship experience and will be held in the Conference Center. This service will feature a Christmas meditation, the band will lead us in worship, and Holy Communion will be served. The service will end with the lighting of candles during the singing of Silent Night.

THE 5:00 AND 7:00 PM SANCTUARY SERVICES include a Christmas meditation and Holy Communion. The service will end with the lighting of candles and singing Silent Night. Festival Brass will provide prelude music beginning fifteen minutes prior to the service.

www.firstmethodist.org | Winter 2018 | 930north

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Senior Pastor Rev. Brady Whitton Associate Pastors Rev. Becky Poor Rev. Dr. Fernie Rivera Rev. Dr. Jane Riecke

OUR MISSION: Transforming lives by engaging our members to celebrate and share God’s love in Jesus Christ.

Pastor Emerius Rev. Dr. Don Cottrill Editor & Designer Amy Book Emery Schwab Proofreaders Extraordinare Toni Gilboy Virginia Guffey Greg Toney Contributing Writers Chris King Caroline Spencer Cheryl Major Brandon Rev. Dr. Jane Riecke

ADVENT ADVENTURE + THE AMERICA STREET CHRISTMAS CONCERT 930north Magazine is published quarterly for the Baton Rouge community and friends of First United Methodist Church by the FUMC Office of Communications.

HAVE A STORY TO TELL? Email: abook@firstmethodist.org WANT TO KNOW MORE? Contact us at (225) 383-4777 www.firstmethodist.org SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO: toni@firstmethodist.org

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Are you looking for something free and fun to do with your kids?

You are invited to join other families in an Advent Adventure on December 17 from 3:00-5:00 PM at Galvez Plaza, located at 200 North Blvd.

• Free family activities • Food • Crafts • Face painting • Inflatables • Scavenger hunt • Cookie decorating After Advent Adventure, you're invited to stay for the Christmas concert featuring the America Street Band. The concert will begin at 5:00 PM and is free and open to the public.

930north | www.firstmethodist.org | Winter 2018

A LETTER FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR

DEAR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST, What if I told you there was something you could do which would increase the likelihood of your experiencing: • Happiness • Greater meaning in life • Gratitude • Trust • A more fulfilling marriage • New friends • Better health and longevity • A 30% lower incidence of depression • A five-fold lower rate of suicide • And a better chance of surviving cancer?

You’d probably be skeptical and wonder what I was selling, right?

Last year I became aware about a field of study called “Human Flourishing,” which is the study of the conditions needed for a person to experience complete physical, mental, and social well-being.

A study by Harvard’s Tyler VanderWeele and published

by National Academy of Sciences identifies pathways and outcomes related to human well-being. The four pathways are family, work, education, and religious community.

These are the most common things people who are flourishing participate in.

The five outcomes are happiness and life satisfaction, physical and mental health, meaning and purpose, character and virtue, and close social relationships. When you have these things you can be said to be flourishing.

While all of the pathways to flourishing are important, the one that is most important to us as a church is the pathway of “religious community.”

VanderWeele writes, “There is a large amount of literature suggesting that attending religious services is associated with better health…greater longevity…a 30% lower incidence of depression, a fivefold lower rate of suicide, better survival from cancer, and numerous other outcomes…Numerous studies have also demonstrated an association between attending services and happiness and life satisfaction…service attendance is associated with greater meaning in life…pro-social behavior, civic [engagement]…gratitude, and trust…[it] decreases the likelihood of divorce…[and] increases the likelihood of making new friends…The effect of religious community, and specifically religious service attendance, on these various aspects of flourishing is thus substantial.”

So why am I sharing this? I’ve long noticed that the

things most necessary for my well-being are the things “modern life” seems to want to take from me–making healthy food and eating it slowly with family and friends; time to care for my body with proper exercise and rest; daily time for prayer, meditation, study, reflection, etc.

It seems the faster we run in pursuit of a good life, the more likely we are to skip the things that really create the conditions for such a life.

One of the most important things we can do to experience well-being is to be part of a religious community and attend religious services. This claim is not just anecdotally true. It is supported by research. At the same time, the pace and rhythm of modern life seems to make regular worship attendance harder and harder for many.

The bottom line is we have to choose. No one is going to organize my life for me so I can make church participation a priority. I have to take personal responsibility and make it happen as if my well-being depends on it–because it does.

The seasons of Advent and Christmas are my favorite times of year. They can either be busy, crazy times that pull me away from what is truly life-giving, or they can be a time that grounds me in what is truly important. The choice is mine.

In this edition of 930North you will find many opportunities to participate in religious community as we journey through Advent and Christmas. Do yourself a favor. Do your family a favor. Give yourself the gift of one of the key pathways to flourishing–make participating in the life of the church a priority.

In Christ’s Love, Rev. Brady Whitton

www.firstmethodist.org | Winter 2018 | 930north

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[LOVE SELF] WITHOUT CONDITIONS

be salt & light

(it's more fun than being stingy–I promise!)

BY CHRIS KING

I

t’s not yours, and it’s not ours. Once you figure that out about money, everything else falls into place. Our culture teaches us to chase after big houses, fancy cars, and piles of money, but all God wants is our hearts. By grasping the concept that God is the ultimate giver, sacrificing his only son for us, we can begin to understand who God wants us to be with money.

It might take you a while to get there emotionally, but try it. Provide Christmas for a single mother of 4 children (one of which has serious health problems) who just lost the family home in a disaster. Tell me you don’t feel like you are flying miles above the earth in a reindeer-drawn sleigh with a red suit and a white beard, and it will confirm you don’t even have a

I’m speaking of the joy that you experience when being outrageously generous.

Giving money away is honestly the most fun you will ever have with money.

The interesting part is that God asks for only a tenth of what we manage for Him. A tenth. Not half, not most of it, a tenth. And, by far, most professing Christians don’t give anywhere close to that. The saddest part is how many blessings those who have not let go of their attachment to money are missing. I don’t necessarily mean financial blessings, although, there certainly are financial blessings along the way. I’m speaking of the joy that you experience when being outrageously generous. Giving money away is honestly the most fun you will ever have with money.

pulse. Imagine yourself in her shoes with no hope, and through the love of Christ, all of her prayers are answered. The tears roll down her face as little bumps rise up on your arms and the back of your neck.

It’s an incredible feeling to be a conduit for God’s love. I’ve experienced it in Kairos prison ministry simply being generous with kindness and love. I’ve experienced it through the ministry of The Cajun Army coordinating thousands of volunteers from all over the country gutting (continued on the next page)

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN DONATE YOUR REQUIRED MINIMUM IRA DISTRIBUTION TO CHARITY?

AFTER YEARS OF contributing to tax-deferred retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs, income tax is due on that money when you take withdrawals in retirement. Annual withdrawals from traditional retirement accounts are required after age 70 1/2, and the penalty for skipping a required minimum distribution is 50 percent of the amount that should have been withdrawn. However, if you are in the fortunate position of not needing your distribution for living expenses, and are charitably inclined, you can avoid income tax on your required withdrawal by donating the proceeds directly to a qualifying charity like your church. Here's how a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA can be used to help others and reduce your tax bill.

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930north | www.firstmethodist.org | Winter 2018

[LOVE GOD] BE SALT & LIGHT over 1000 flooded homes for people who had no hope. In the book of Matthew, (Matt 5:1316) Jesus tells us:

THE

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?

It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Be salt and light. It’s more fun than being stingy–I promise!

GREAT

CHARITY

SCAVENGER

H U N T presented by

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2018 930 North Boulevard BUILD

5:00 - 7:30 PM

FOLLOW

your team

the clues

WIN

cash for charity

For more information, scavenger hunt rules and to register your team visit At the service kicking off FUMC's annual www.firstmethodist.org or email jennifer@firstmethodist.org generosity renewal, I quoted the lyrics of a song by a band, The Civil Wars. The song is From This Valley, and the line is, “Oh, the caged bird dreams of a strong wind that will flow beneath her wings.” This image depicts the turning point in a life of generosity. Will you continue to be the “caged bird” that dreams of a “strong wind”, or will you soar and feel the wind flowing beneath your wings?

It’s much more fun to soar than to sit in that cage! God has so many blessings and opportunities for you to bless other people. And, the great part about it is that you get to choose. Choose wisely, friends. God bless you, and happy giving.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Chris King (Left) and Nick Loupe (Right), the Co-Founders of The Cajun Army bless this widowed pastor, flood survivor, and grandmother with an abundance of cash and gift cards after God led them to her through prayer as they randomly searched for people to bless. Elberta Pugh-Hudson (Center) pastors the St. Paul A.M.E Church in Teachey, NC and has selflessly blessed others in the aftermath of losing everything she owns to flood waters. It was her turn to be blessed.

MEET THE REQUIREMENTS: IRA owners must be age 70 1/2 or older to make a tax-free charitable contribution. Those who meet the age requirement can transfer up to $100,000 per year directly to an eligible charity without paying income tax on the transaction.

If you file a joint tax return, your spouse can also make a charitable contribution of up to $100,000, for a total of $200,000 per married couple. If you donate more than

the maximum allowable amount it is considered income and could be subject to income tax. Qualified charitable contributions must be made by December 31 in order to be excluded from taxable income.

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS CAN ONLY BE MADE FROM IRAs, not 401(k)s or similar types of retirement accounts. You don't need to itemize your taxes in order to make an IRA charitable

distribution. However, you cannot additionally claim a charitable contribution tax deduction on a charitable distribution from your IRA. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact Beth Fraser, Executive Director of Finance and Administration, at bfraser@ firstmethodist.org or Bill Potter, Chair of First United Methodist Church’s Endowment Committee, at bpotter@pncpa.com.

www.firstmethodist.org | Winter 2018 | 930north

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[LOVE OTHERS] SOUTH KOREA WAS NOT MY PLAN

south korea was not my plan

BY CAROLINE SPENCER

T

hroughout my last semester at LSU, I had a general idea of what the next year would look like. I would be taking a gap year, which would allow me the opportunity to travel and take a much needed break from school. I had already applied for several internships for the following spring, and I only needed to decide on my plans for the fall. My goal: To do something that would allow me the chance to experience a part of the world I had never seen. I set my sights on exploring Asia and began researching ways to travel throughout the region without burning through my savings.

However, after two months of research, I still had no plan. I also came to realize in that time that the internships I was banking on had some major drawbacks. For example, a couple of internships were located in European cities like Geneva and Brussels, which would have been something to be excited about, if not for the fact that they were unpaid.

Europe is very, VERY expensive.

Suddenly, my gap year was starting to seem like a complete money drain. I grew frustrated and disappointed, both in myself and in the situation, and began to lose hope in my travel goals.

The idea of teaching English in South Korea first presented itself in late June. I had seen information on it on travel forums and blogs before, but it was always something I brushed off in favor of places with shorter teaching contracts and closer neighboring countries that I could potentially visit. So when my mom mentioned that a family friend’s relative had taught in South Korea and wanted to talk with me, I initially dismissed the idea. I was uninterested in going there, primarily because teaching contracts in South Korea were for an entire year, and I was unwilling to commit for that long. However, my mom’s insistence, combined with my openness to explore the idea further, led me to call him. For over an hour one night, I spoke with Joel about his experience living and teaching English in South Korea–which he wound up doing for three years. When I got off the phone with him, I had a new perspective, and a more open mind to the idea.

This is when I began to sense God’s influence. While I have always believed that He has provided guidance for me, after that phone call I began to see it in a way I never had before. Even though I was still lukewarm to the idea, South Korea began to appear everywhere I looked.

I noticed it when a lifelong friend and I spoke for the first time in a few weeks and she asked me how the “South Korea plan” was going, despite the fact that I had only briefly mentioned it while listing all of my other potential destinations. I sensed it every time I mentioned the idea of

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930north | www.firstmethodist.org | Winter 2018

teaching in Asia to someone and they responded with a story of a friend or family member who had lived or worked in South Korea. And I felt it especially when I had coffee with Rev. Dr. Gloria Fowler from the Louisiana United Methodist Conference office, and she told me how excited she was for me to experience her native country.

So, I took the plunge and began the application process. However, three months after applying with several different recruiters for South Korean schools, it was the middle of October, and I was still without a job.

In the middle of a random Monday, about 20 minutes after a conversation with my father in which I complained about how frustrated I was with job search process, I received a call from a placement agency asking me to prepare for a Skype interview with a representative from a school that night.

The interview went well, but afterwards I was incredibly anxious. I reached out to God in prayer, asking for guidance. I asked that He close this door if this was not the path I was meant to take. By the next evening, I had been offered a contract with a school in Seoul.

SOUTH KOREA WAS NOT MY PLAN [LOVE OTHERS] I still see God’s influence on this journey. I see Him every few weeks when my mom meets someone with great things to say about South Korea, right around the time when her anxiety about my trip starts to peak. I see His influence in my family’s reluctant acceptance turned excitement for this next chapter in my life. I see Him in the multiple emails I receive from my father every day, with links to everything from the weather in Seoul to travel blogs filled with packing advice.

Don’t get me wrong; I am still pretty terrified of this next step. I am a twenty-two year old recent LSU graduate who has never lived anywhere other than Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and in a few weeks I am moving across the world for a year. I do not speak Korean, though I am learning, and I have little experience teaching children. And yet, despite all of the fears that regularly build up in my mind, I am confident in my decision to go to South Korea.

I know God is with me all the way. It’s easy to take big leaps when you know God is guiding your steps.

RECOVERY AT FIRST METHODIST Grace & Recovery 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month FUMC Adult Bldg, Rm 117 | 6:30 PM-8:00 PM If addiction has touched your life, FUMC offers & RECOVERY Grace and Recovery. Come for prayer, answers, and support in dealing with addiction, intervention, and recovery.

Family members, as well as those struggling with addiction are welcome to attend. Facilitated by Dr. Terry Ellis. For more information, call Dr. Terry Ellis at 225-405-0797.

GRACE

Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, beginning January 2019 Adult Bldg, Rm 106 | 6:30-8:00 PM For more information about this meeting, email Janet Schilling, Facilitator at PALjlsbrla02@gmail.com. Or visit www.palgroup.org.

Alcoholics Anonymous Tuesdays at 10:30 AM (women) and 12:00 PM | Adult Bldg, Rm 112 Wednesdays at 6:30 PM | Adult Bldg, Rm 117 Thursdays at noon | Adult Bldg, Rm 112 Al-Anon Mondays at 12:00 PM | Adult Bldg, Rm 113

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 | 4:00-5:00 PM Join us in the FUMC Conference Center for a hearty scoop of gumbo with a side of fellowship as fuel for the musical journey. The Downtown Christmas Pilgrimage will begin just down the street at Mt. Zion Baptist Church at 5:30 PM. www.firstmethodist.org | Winter 2018 | 930north

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[LOVE OTHERS] SERVING THE KINGDOM OF GOD

SERVING THE

BY CHERYL MAJOR BRANDON

Kingdom of God I

have been called a “Professional Student” by friends who have known me for many years. It is because I truly enjoy learning and meeting new people.

The knowledge and blessing I received through the Congregational Care Lay Ministry (CCLM) Training at First United Methodist Church was more than just an expansion of my intellect. After reading the invitation to participate in the training to serve as a CCLM, I had no doubt that I wanted to serve the Lord Jesus in this area.

The Bible says in Matthew 25: 34-36 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me.” God impressed upon me that I could serve in this area and that it would be a good fit at this time in my life. I want the King to say to me on that day that

10 930north | www.firstmethodist.org | Winter 2018

I did indeed visit Him and ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father!’ It is a privilege to serve in the Kingdom of God: the joy of visiting with ladies who love the Lord, who enjoy talking about the Lord, joyful family and current events; praying with and serving Communion; and yes, sometimes discussing and praying about personal concerns. This probably brings more joy to my heart than their hearts. The ladies I visit with have made great adjustments and transitions from their former lives, yet they glow with the love of Jesus and gratitude in their hearts.

Finally, our CCLM group desired to begin a covenant group, and it is so inspiring.

We meet together, pray together, share examples of our lives together, learn together, and will continue to do so. God is healing my life in many areas. FUMC has affirmed the Lay Minister’s calling to share the love of Jesus Christ in the world–that comforts my soul. When Pastor Becky said, “You all will be the face of the Church,” I could feel the presence of God. “Yes, Jesus loves me” as the song goes; and Jesus is using me along with my CCLM brothers and sisters in Christ to be His hands and feet and to share His unconditional love to those who cannot come to services as easily as they once did.

For more information about the Congregational Care Lay Ministry please contact Rebecca Mitchell, Director of Care at rebecca@firstmethodist.org.

Saturday- January 19, 2019 | 9:00 AM-2:30 PM FUMC Conference Center Are you involved in care giving? Do you work in a caring profession such as home healthcare, first response, teaching, lay ministry or social work? If so, we invite you to join us for a day retreat to examine care giving as a shared life of prayer with God. Highlights include prayers of petition that invite introspection of our own needs; prayers of intercession that join others through empathy; and finally, prayers of lament that bend our anguish into ardent supplication to God. Cost of the retreat is $20.00 and includes lunch. Register by visiting: firstmethodist.org/ministries/adults/retreats.

www.firstmethodist.org | Winter 2018 | 930north

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[LOVE GOD] SANCTUARY RENOVATION UPDATE

Generations Sanctuary Renovation Update EMBRACING THE PAST

RENEWING TH E FUTURE

The driving force behind our sanctuary renovation is to enhance the worshipper’s experience through improved sound, lighting, and accessibility. A new sound system will deliver the highest level of speech intelligibility to every seat in the sanctuary.

Our sound system will incorporate a hearing loop.

What is a hearing loop?

Let this be

written for a

future

generation,

that a people not yet

created

may praise

the Lord.

-Psalm 102:18

A hearing loop is a special type of sound system for use by people with hearing aids. The hearing loop provides a magnetic, wireless signal that is picked up by the hearing aid when it is set to “T” (Telecoil) setting.

The hearing loop consists of a microphone to pick up the spoken word; an amplifier which processes the signal; and the loop cable, a wire placed around the perimeter of the sanctuary to act as an antenna that radiates the magnetic signal to the hearing aid. Learn more about hearing loop at www.hearingloop. org.

Why use a hearing loop?

• Removes unwanted background noise • No need to use a receiver/headset • Sound goes directly into the hearing aid • Can be used by anyone with a compatible hearing aid • It is inconspicuous • Any number of worshippers can simultaneously use the system Accessibility is more than gaining access into the sanctuary; it is also providing a tool for persons with hearing loss to fully participate in worship. The sanctuary renovation committee is committed to providing tools for improving worship for all.

The Generations Capital Campaign for the sanctuary renovation continues to be a tremendous success. The congregation has generously responded with pledges and gifts totaling $3,632,374. If you have not made a commitment to the Generations Sanctuary Renovation Project, we need you to participate in this once-in-ageneration effort. There are always unexpected costs related to a project of this size; in addition, we would like to create an ongoing maintenance fund for the sanctuary.

This is an exciting time in the life of our congregation. Thank you for your commitment to our church and to this project. To God Be the Glory!

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[LOVE SELF] WITHOUT CONDITIONS

it was the tree...

E

arly in my marriage, pennies were short in the Riecke household – especially at Christmas. Most of our money went to our mortgage and food. One year, Brian and I were doing our best to piece together a few dollars to buy a few presents for our oldest son, John. He was just 2 but still we wanted to have a few things for him under the tree.

BY REV. DR. JANE RIECKE

pulled out the most beautiful tree of all. I could see by its tag we could never consider buying that tree. The tree was priced at $50! My heart just sunk. My husband, Brian, said, “I’m sorry but we can’t afford to buy that tree.” I was so embarrassed. I just wanted to crawl under a rock.

But before we could say anything further, our church friend said, “No apology is necessary. We’re going to give you the tree.”

It was the tree that was The joy of Christmas isn’t about what the problem. We didn’t have Brian and I were you have or how you celebrate, but stunned. one and Christmas Eve was We’d never those unexpected moments when God known anyone, let alone a fast approaching. We knew we wanted a cut tree, just nominal acquaintance, to surprises you with His generous and like the ones we had as we give us anything. I was unconditional love. grew up. As children, those so overwhelmed that I early Christmas memories started to cry and then just were special to us. We wanted our children to have the as quickly stopped myself because I realized I wasn’t sad. same warm memories. Unfortunately, a cut tree was an I was excited and happy. Soon the tree was on top of our expensive proposition. car, expertly tied down and away we drove back to our little house to put up our tree and decorate it. I couldn’t The Sunday before Christmas we were leaving the wait to see our son's eyes twinkle as he saw the tree worship service of our United Methodist Church when a with all the lights – just like we had so many Christmases member of the congregation approached us and said, before.

“Do you have a Christmas tree yet?” “No” we told him.

He said, “Come by the Lion’s Club tree lot. I’m working Over the years, I’ve learned Christmas isn’t about the lot this afternoon and we have a few trees that I think what you have or what you give, but those unexpected would work for you.” I really didn’t want to say we’d be moments when God surprises you with His generous and there. I knew we didn’t have the money to buy a tree but unconditional love. Brian, John, and I had a wonderful I was ashamed to admit it to another church member. We Christmas that year, but it wasn’t because of the tree or looked at each other struggling to think of a response. In the gifts or Christmas dinner with my parents or even the the end, Brian told him we would see him there. candlelight of the Christmas Eve service. Our joy came from the generosity of someone we barely knew and who After lunch with my parents, we drove to the tree lot. exemplified the love and grace of Christ to us. What a The church member met us at our car. He said, “I’m so wonderful feeling! Merry Christmas! glad you made it. I have just the right tree for you. Follow me.” We walked over to a stand of several trees. He

www.firstmethodist.org | Winter 2018 | 930north

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CONGREGATIONAL NEWS│SHARING OUR CELEBRATIONS & SORROWS

[LOVE SELF] WITHOUT CONDITIONS

Celebrating Our New Members...

Chris Blades

Elizabeth Blades

Celebrating the Baptism of...

Evelyn Davis 8–26–18 daughter of Sarah & Brad Davis Marin Myers 8–26–18 daughter of Louise & Michael Myers Jack Williams 9–9–18 son of Amanda & Eric Williams John Thomas Hart 9–9–18 son of M.E. & Bryan Hart Mary Harper Hart 9–9–18 daughter of M.E. & Bryan Hart Maggie Rhodes 9–16–18 daughter of Lynley & Josh Rhodes Elizabeth Pernici 9–23–18 daughter of Margaret & Michael Pernici Charles Paxton 10-14-18 son of Lauren & Matt Paxton Wellington Varnado 10-14-18 son of Katie & Will Varnado

Celebrating the Birth of...

Stephanie Matt

Lynda Coleman

David Himelrick

Kathy Himelrick

Levi Murchison 8-10-18 son of Karen & Trent Murchison Randall Shirley 8-12-18 son of Claire & Matthew Shirley Bennett LeBlanc 8-13-18 son of Beth & Brandon LeBlanc Robert Braswell 8-24-18 son of Leila & Beau Braswell Annie Weathers 8-30-18 daughter of Ginny & William Weathers Walter Dubuc 8-31-18 son of Walter & Christine Dubuc Katherine D'Arensbourg 9-1-18 daughter of Jennifer & Ben D'Arensbourg Elise Anding 9-12-18 daughter of Erin & Trey Anding Andrew Hugon 9-23-18 son of Rachael & Justin Hugon Bennett Trice 10-1-18 son of Chelsea & Kevin Trice Nathan Totaro 10-13-18 son of Rachel & Nick Totaro

Sympathy to the Families of...

Alexis Rather

Shan Schatzle

Pat Landry

Cindy Landry

Ashley Goins

Matt Coldiron

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Harold Voss 8/13/2018 Morris Talley 8/21/2018 Dot McCoy 8/28/2018 Vernice Wright 8/31/2018 Mae Calvin-Belton 9/7/2018 Dyke Martin 9/22/2018 Natalie McCall 9/27/2018 Fred Loy 10/20/2018 Drew Albin 11/4/2018 Ann Rawls 11/6/2018 OPPOSITE PAGE TOP: FUMC hosts an event several times a year called Membership Matters for those interested in learning more about church membership, profession of faith or adult baptism. On October 21 at Membership Matters, we welcomed 7 people into membership at FUMC! Join us in giving thanks to God for our newest members (from left): Amanda Lyons, Janet Sukkar, Brooke Cawthon, Peyton Lambertson, Finley May, Nikki May, Rex May, John May and Suzy Rivera.

[LOVE SELF] WITHOUT CONDITIONS

WINTER 2018 Calendar of Events

For more information about small groups, classes, retreats or special events visit www.firstmethodist.org or call 383–4777

WEEKLY CALENDAR SUNDAYS 8:30 AM WORSHIP–SANCTUARY 9:00 AM CAFÉ 930 9:40 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWCOMER COFFEE/ DISCOVER FIRST ESSENTIALS I CHILDREN’S WORSHIP 9:45 AM WORSHIP–AMERICA STREET 11:00 AM WORSHIP–SANCTUARY 4:30 PM PRAYER MINISTRY 5:00 PM ADULT CLASSES

YOUTH NIGHT

FUSE CHILDREN’S PROG.

THURSDAYS 9:00 AM THURSDAY LADIES GROUP 9:30 AM ELC CHAPEL 11:00 AM WOMEN'S AA 12:00 PM ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

MONDAYS 10:30 AM PRAYER MINISTRY 12:00 PM AL-ANON MEETING TUESDAYS 9:00 AM KNITTING & MEN’S COFFEE 10:30 AM WOMEN’S AA GROUP 12:00 PM ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WEDNESDAYS 8:30 AM CORE MOM'S MINISTRY 4:30 PM CARE TEAM 5:00 PM THE GATHERING - DINNER 6:00 PM YOUTH BIBLE STUDY BIBLE NAVIGATORS (children)

ADULT SMALL GROUPS 6:30 PM ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS 7:00 PM CHANCEL CHOIR

MONTHLY LECTIONARY TEXTS A series of Scripture readings for specific days of the year. The Revised Common Lectionary is a 3–year cycle of readings. Four passages are recommended, usually 2 from both the Old & New Testaments. Thus, over a 3–year period the Bible is covered in a systematic & balanced way.

ADULT EVENTS

GREAT CHARITY SCAVENGER HUNT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 • 5:00 PM CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP MONDAY, DECEMBER 24 11:00 AM- FAMILY ORIENTED SERVICE 3:00 PM- AMERICA STREET SERVICE 5:00 & 7:00 PM- SANCTUARY

ADVENT RETREAT DECEMBER 1 • 9:00 AM-3:00 PM AT WESLEY FOUNDATION OF LSU

CAREGIVERS’ RETREAT SATURDAY, JANUARY 19 • FUMC 9:00 AM-2:30 PM

TAIZE WORSHIP NOVEMBER 28, DECEMBER 5, 12, 19 • 5:30 PM • FUMC SPIRITUAL FORMATION CENTER

WOMEN’S RETREAT MARCH 1-3 • AT ST. JOSEPH'S ABBEY, COVINGTON, LA

A FEAST OF CAROLS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 • 8:30 & 11 AM OH, COME ALL YE GUMBO SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 4:00 PM • AT FUMC

MISSION OPPORTUNITIES COSTA RICA FAMILY MISSION TRIP MARCH 2-9, 2019 2019 CAMBODIA MISSION TRIP JULY 10-23, 2019

DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS PILGRIMAGE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 5:30-8:00 PM • BEGINS AT MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9 7:00 PM • SANCTUARY AT FUMC

CHILDREN’S EVENTS ADVENT ADVENTURE & AMERICA STREET CHRISTMAS CONCERT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 3:00-5:00 PM • GALVEZ PLAZA, 200 NORTH BLVD

NOVEMBER 26 Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Psalm 100 Ephesians 1:15-23 Matthew 25:31-46

DECEMBER 10 Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8

DECEMBER 3 Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37

DECEMBER 17 Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Psalm 126 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28

DECEMBER 24 Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-20

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Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage

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

Baton Rouge, LA Permit No. 63

Join us on Sundays:

We are here!

America Street East Boulevard

Ferdinand Street / Highland Road

North Boulevard

Government Street

 To Mississippi River Bridge

8:30 AM - Sanctuary Worship Service 9:40 AM - Sunday School for all ages Children’s Worship 9:45 AM - America Street Service 11 AM - Sanctuary Worship Service 5:00 PM - Adult Small Groups & Studies

Youth@first (Youth Group)

F.U.S.E. Children’s Programming Nursery Care is available from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Sunday mornings, and from 5:00-7:30 PM on Sunday Evenings.

Join us on Wednesdays:

5:00 PM - The Gathering: Food, Fellowship and Small Groups

To discover more about us visit firstmethodist.org

facebook.com/FUMCBR