930north July 2014

A PUBLICATION OF FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Open Doors

July 2014

Summer Edition

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

July 2014

Table of Contents

4

5

6

8

The Meeting Place

4

The Vision: The Next Step Update

5

The View From A Wheelchair

by Joy Irwin

6

A Walk In Their Shoes

by Becky Poor

8

Congregational News

10

Calendar of Events

11

From Rev. Brady Whitton Senior Pastor

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

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ, Have you ever attended someone else’s family reunion or can you imagine what it would be like to do so? People who’ve known each other for years are talking, sharing stories and memories. Cousin Joe telling the obviously well-worn story of a burned Thanksgiving turkey. A prayer recited at the beginning of the meal that everyone knows, and for dessert, of course, Aunt Sally’s famous chocolate cake! Imagine how you would feel in such a situation? No matter how friendly everyone was, no matter how pretty the decorations or how good the food, you’d likely feel awkward, right, like an outsider, like you don’t belong?

This scenario describes what it’s like for many who visit a church for the first time.

They walk into an unfamiliar building where some have gathered for decades. People are having conversations with those they’ve known for years. There are rituals they may not know, inside jokes they don’t get, references they don’t understand. There is a good chance a first-time visitor is feeling very awkward, like an outsider, like they don’t belong. Maybe some of you remember this feeling when you visited a church.

Now it’s true that if they stick with it, things will become more familiar. They will come to understand the rhythms and

Senior Pastor

stories of a congregation. They will build relationships of their own. They will begin to feel more at home. But as they do, as they settle in, it’s important we do everything we can as a congregation to make them feel we’re glad they’re here.

Some churches practice a five-minute rule--that for the first five minutes they’re in the sanctuary they don’t talk to people they already know.

They first look for visitors to connect with. At First UMC we’ve started “passing the peace” in worship, Café 930 and our Newcomer’s Coffee as ways to make sure visitors know we care.

In this issue of 930 North you’ll hear stories told from a visitor’s perspective. I invite you to approach worship in July as if you are a visitor attending our church for the first time. Consider parking in a different lot, entering through a different door, checking out a new service, taking a step out of your comfort zone. Through our shared experience as new “visitors” we can help make sure our guests feel more at home.

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

Hebrews 13:2 NASV Yours in Christ,

Rev. Brady Whitton

Associate Pastors

Rev. Katie McKay Simpson Rev. Pattye Hewitt Rev. Ann Trousdale

Editors/Designers

Caroline Tyler

Photographers

Emily Franklin Caroline Tyler Rev. Brady Whitton

To request to be added to our 930north Magazine mailing list, join our photography or reporting team, or to have information included in a future edition, please call 383-4777.

About the Cover Since 1926, members and visitors alike have entered First United Methodist Church through the doors facing North Boulevard.

These doors have sheltered the church from hurricanes and have welcomed many people throughout the years.

The Meeting Place

What’s your position at FUMC, and what do you do?

I am one of the Associate Pastors; my job includes pastoral responsibilities: hospital visitation, leading worship and preaching on occasion, teaching Bible studies, etc One of my main areas will be to work with the Adult Education Ministries Helping people learn more about God and grow in their understanding and experience of Him through Jesus is what I love to do Another important aspect of my work will be to undergird and assist Rev Brady in carrying out The Vision in which God has called him and the people of FUMC Baton Rouge to make real and visible in the world

.

.

.

.

.

What’s a fun fact about you?

.

I was on the baton twirling team while a student of Abramson Senior High School in New Orleans We preformed at sporting events for our school and at night time football games we twirled fire batons during halftime I still have mine!

.

Do you remember the happiest moment of your life?

..

.. .

.

.

I’ ve had two The happiest days were October 6, 1985 and November 4, 1989 These are the days our daughters were born Ashley & Jade They are the joys of mine and Jimmy’s heart - my husband of 33 years

If you could give one piece of advice to a large group of people, what would it be?

.

.

Attitude is everything and everyone has the ability to change/recalculate/perfect theirs There is no “I just couldn’t help myself” or “The devil made me do it ” One of my favorite attitude quotes is this: “Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but by how we react to what happens; not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results ”

.

.

.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

.

I love to share with people (in word and deed) that they are loved and cherished by God, and that they are persons of sacred worth in the eyes of Jesus Christ The highlight of my pastoral work is talking to and journeying with those who have little or no Christian background To witness their awakening to our God who adores them and wants everything beautiful and life- giving for them just fills my heart and soul

.

4 930 North Magazine | July 2014

.

The Vision The Next Step After worship on Sunday, April 27th, over 150 of our membership gathered to begin dreaming about possibilities for our six strategic initiatives of our congregational Vision process. The group met for lunch, a few opening words and instructions from Rev. Brady Whitton, and then broke out into groups to discuss information, cautions, and exciting potential outcomes in areas of existing and new worship opportunities, discipleship, missions, the afterschool program and member engagement.

The Lead Teams, co-led by staff and laity, are presently meeting through the summer, looking at the wisdom gleaned from these conversations as a major source to guide their work. Over the next months, these teams will report back to the congregation a long-range plan, along with initial progress made in each area. Please continue praying for the work of these teams. If you have not yet engaged in the work of the Vision and would like to do so, please contact the church office at 225.383.4777.

July 2014 | 930 North Magazine

5

the view from a wheelchair by joy irwin

On Christmas night, I fell off of a ladder and broke my foot. Initially, the doctor told me that I would be able to walk on it and not have to use crutches. Then I developed an autonomic nervous system problem that caused my foot to continue to send pain signals to by brain.

(The syndrome is called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, or formerly Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.) Putting my foot on the floor was extremely painful, and for 4 weeks, I used crutches, a walker, and a knee scooter to get around.

That was when I found out that not all buildings are created equal.

In 1990, the U.S. Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act, which in part, provided for standardized handicap accessibility design standards for new and modified buildings in the United States.

In 2010, the Department of Justice published revised standards. The rules and regulations are codified

6 930 North Magazine | July 2014

in the Code of Federal Regulations.

For more information, visit the Department of Justice website at www. ada.gov or call 800-514-0301.

My workplace was constructed after the 1990 regulations were in place, so entrance into and exit from the building was relatively easy. Handicap restroom stalls are available with enough room to park my knee scooter. I was provided a handicap tag, so I was able to park in close proximity to any building. The grocery store and mall were easily accessible, I think, because they wanted me to continue to shop there. My home presented more challenges than most buildings, because I had a step to cross and the rooms, doorways, and other spaces were too tight to maneuver around.

Recently, Paula Mercer, FUMC congregational nurse and Sandra King, FUMC Director of Congregational Care, asked me to share

my experiences with maneuvering through the First United Methodist maze of buildings. Not only did I have experience as a temporarily disabled church member, but in addition, I voluntarily spent a Sunday morning confined to a wheelchair to see if I was presented with any insurmountable obstacles.

The handicap parking places at our church are clearly marked and plentiful. I did not have a problem finding a parking space. The parking places are in close proximity to the handicap ramps and are available at the outside entrances that our members use. The only barrier that I found was finding a ramp that was close to the sanctuary.

When I was using wheels (knee scooter and wheelchair), the distances were reasonable. If I solely relied on crutches, I was challenged. Because of the size of our complex, it is difficult for an ambulatory, disabled church member to walk the distances from the parking lot to the buildings and then from the various Sunday School rooms to the sanctuary. For example, I attend Sunday School in the adult building, and on crutches, the walk to the sanctuary is too far to go. To solve that problem, I borrowed a wheel chair from the church (available near the America Street entrance) and had a friend help.

I assume that our church complies with all of the ADA standards, but that was not what got me through my recovery. What sustained me was the support I received from the people of my church. During the worst part of

my recovery, the church came and ministered to my family. I had Sunday School friends who prayed for me daily. My friends and the care team brought me food and sent me cards and texts. Friends drove me to medical appointments. Beautiful flowers appeared at my house more than once, including the ones that graced the FUMC altar. Medical professionals, whom I know from church, helped me to find answers when I was misdiagnosed. The ordained pastors called and came to my house, prayed with me, and helped me come to terms with how something this horrible could happen.

How can our church help you or your loved ones? The FUMC television ministry is robust and easily accessed. If you cannot attend formal worship services, check out the broadcasts on TV and our website.

If you need a mid-week pick-meup, go to www.firstmethodist.org or social media. Each Sunday, the bus ministry picks up, at assisted living, those members who can no longer drive. FUMC has disability aids available to our church members who are temporarily challenged. Wheelchairs and walkers can be “checked out” and returned when you are back on your feet. If you need help with any disability needs, call either Paula or Sandra at 225-383-4777, and they will do everything in their power to assist.

So, I think the answer to the question, “Is our church accessible to the handicapped?” is “Yes.” But even more importantly, Jesus challenged us to love one another, and for me, FUMC answered that call.

July 2014 | 930 North Magazine

7

a walk in their shoes

by becky poor

We have all been in a new place, right? Growing up, I moved around quite frequently. It seemed that every two years my military family was moving to a new home.

I loved moving and meeting new people - As a child, I didn’t think twice about having to go to new schools and meet new friends. In my mind, that was a part of being in the military. My father retired from active duty when I was 10 years old, and so my family seemed grounded for the first time in my life, and we landed in Lake Charles, Louisiana and became members of one of the local Catholic churches. When I was a young woman, I decided to brave the frontier of faith traditions, and I began visiting every denomination that Lake Charles had to offer. I was looking for a place of worship where I could grow closer to Jesus and challenge the faith questions that had been floating around in my young adult brain (scary, right?).

The Methodist Church became a faith home for me, and my new husband and I joined FUMC Baton Rouge in 1992.

Fast Forward 20 years – I am still a welcoming creature. I love to meet people, I love to question ideas and philosophies, and I love to share my faith. I found myself,

8 930 North Magazine | July 2014

under the leadership of Rev. Brady Whitton, challenged with the task of developing a formalized ministry of Inviting and Welcoming at First United Methodist Church.

Challenge – Accepted! For months we ran articles of welcoming, formed teams to greet and invite.

We continued the tradition of Heartwarmers, Hospitality Coffee, and helping small groups learn what it means to be welcoming and inviting. We created Welcome Centers, Newcomer’s Coffee, and the fabulous Café 930. We created a “safe space” for visitors to come and worship at First United Methodist Church. After months of talking the talk, I decided it was time that I walked the walk, and walk in the footsteps of a visitor…

One Sunday morning in the Summer 2013, I went by myself to another church. I went because I heard they had a wonderful Inviting and Welcoming presence.

I got dressed with butterflies in my stomach that morning, and with sweaty palms drove up to the

parking lot of this huge church. I remember the entire time I was driving, I was asking God to be with me as I visited this new place.

Parking was easy – there were parking attendants who helped me find my spot. As I walked in to this church, I found my heart racing – why was I so nervous? This is what I help others do every day.

Greeters opened the doors, smiled and welcomed me. As I was about to enter the sanctuary, I asked if I could sit anywhere, knowing all too well that I wouldn’t want to “take someone’s pew spot.” The answer was, “Please, sit anywhere you like.” The ushers helped me find a seat, next to an elderly couple on my right and a young man on my left. I settled in, and when we had passed the peace, the couple introduced themselves by name and welcomed me whole-heartedly.

I enjoyed the service tremendously.

The minister announced I could attend a gathering for guests at the end of the service if I so choose, and before I left one of the ushers/ greeters made sure I received a first time visitor folder. On my way out the door, which was opened for me, I left with a smile, and made it to the sanctuary of my car. I did it.

I had visited a church, by myself, and surprisingly left feeling good.

The parking attendants helped guide me out of the huge parking lot, and the last thing they did was give me a smile and a wave.

How you can be a welcoming presence at FUMC: Park further away so guests can park closer Sit towards the center of the pew, so people don’t have to crawl over you Introduce yourself to someone new, and invite them to come to your Sunday School or small group experience Offer to assist in the formalized ministry of Inviting and Welcoming Call your worship friends whom you haven’t seen in while Invite a neighbor, and then pick them up, save them a seat, and/or go to lunch after church Share your faith, and never underestimate the power of a smile and the presence of the Holy Spirit at work in you July 2014 | 930 North Magazine

9

Congregational News Celebrating the Birth of...

Jacob Thomas Son of Matt & Beth Deville Luke Allen Son of Fredrick & Brenda Griffiths Carson Pryce & Kuyper Lane Sons of Anthony & Whitney Rushing John “Jack” McKay Son of Taylor & Katie Simpson

Welcome New Members!

Carl, Lillian, CJ & Caden Carver

Sympathy to the Families of...

Mrs. Fair D. Hutchinson Mr. Tom Marshall Mr. Ron Rawls

Celebrating the Wedding of...

Miss Erin Kirchoff to Mr. Scott Reid Miss Danielle Honeycutt to Mr. Corey Porche

Matthew, Brie & Charlie Rhea Duvall

Celebrating the Baptism of...

Sadie Elizabeth Daughter of Jeb & Katie Barber Reed Alexander Son of Logan & Emily McIlwain Archer James Son of Robert & Leah Boyd Sadie Anne Daughter of Alan & Jennifer Maltbie Christian Philip Son of Christopher & Angela Helm Evangeline June Daughter of Sean & Courtney Whittington

John & DeAnna Eskew

Brian, Tara & Declan Jones

Financial Report As of 5/31/2014: Income Expense Net Income

Actual YTD Budget YTD Variance $1,463,641 $1,383,038 $80,603 $1,669,213 $1,719,163 $49,950 ($205,572) ($336,125) $130,553

Weekly Attendance Week of Sunday, May 4

Worship 1,285 Sunday School 191 Total 1,476

Week of Sunday, May 11

Worship 1,293 Sunday School 439 Total 1,732

10 930 North Magazine | July 2014

Week of Sunday, May 18

Worship 1,257 Sunday School 498 Total 1,755

Glenn Kidder

Week of Sunday, May 25

Worship 1,152 Sunday School 253 Total 1,405

JULY Calendar of Events Weekly

Special

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

Worship Café 930 Sunday School Hospitality Coffee Worship Worship Prayer Ministry

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

SUNDAY-7/1 9:40 am Newcomers’ Coffee 12:10 pm Service of Prayer

for Healing WEDNESDAY-7/9 10:00 am TBR Food Access

Commission Mtg. 10:30 am Senior Adult Program 11:30 am Senior Adult

Luncheon 6:00 pm Youth, Meet at

Town Square MONDAY-7/14 9:00 am Vacation Bible

School Begins (M-F)

WEDNESDAYS 9:30 am The Bible; Every Day 12:10 pm Worship – Chapel 4:00 pm Illness Support

Group 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

FRIDAYS 10:15 am

Baby Bouncers

WEDNESDAY-7/16 6:00 pm Youth, Meet at Cajun

Country Campground SATURDAY-7/19 7:00 am Senior High

Wilderness Trek

Trip Departs

(Returns 7/26) WEDNESDAY-7/23 7:00 am Junior High Mystery

Mission Trip Departs

(Returns 7/26) WEDNESDAY-7/30 6:00 pm Youth, Meet 3rd

Floor Youth Building

Early Learning Center

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

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, plus readings for special Holy Days.

July 7, 2014 Genesis 25:19-34 Romans 8:1-11 Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Psalm 119:105-112 July 14, 2014 Genesis 28:10-19a Romans 8:12-25 Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24 July 21, 2014 Genesis 29:15-28 Romans 8:26-39 Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 Psalm 105:1-11, 45b July 28, 2014 Genesis 32:22-31 Romans 9:1-5 Matthew 14:13-21 Psalm 17:1-7, 15

Summer session and summer camp throughout the month!

July 2014 | 930 North Magazine

11

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 am Sanctuary Worship 9:40 am Sunday School for all Ages 11 am Sanctuary and America Street Worship 6:30 pm Ory Parish Hall Worship

Wednesdays

12:10 pm Aldrich Chapel Worship & Holy Communion Nursery Care is available on Sundays from 8:15 am to 12:00 pm and from 5:00-7:30 pm

l

visit

www.FirstMethodist.org

facebook.com/FUMCBR

for more information

@FUMCBatonRouge